How Head Start Programs Address Children's Behaviors and Build a Supportive Learning Environment

Supporting young children's social and emotional development (mental health) has always been a key element of Head Start program services. Many Head Start Program Performance Standards address the mental health systems and service requirements that a program must meet to promote mental wellness and ensure the timely identification and intervention of mental health issues (45 CFR §1302.33(a)(1–5); 45 CFR §1302.45; 45 CFR §1302.46(a) and (b)(iv)).

Unfortunately, expulsion is common in early care and education settings.¹ However, Head Start programs prohibit expelling children. They use comprehensive planning to identify social, emotional, and behavioral issues and ways to address them.

^{1 Gilliam, Walter S., Prekindergarteners Left Behind: Expulsion Rates in State Prekindergarten Systems (New York: Foundation for Child Development, 2005).}