National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day
Young children in prekindergarten programs are expelled at more than three times the rates of students in grades k-12, while preschoolers in child care centers are expelled at over 13 times the rate. *
Plan an Awareness Day Activity for Young Children in Your Community
National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day (Awareness Day) 2010 is a day for everyone to promote positive development of infants, toddlers, children, and youth. The Awareness Day Art Action will take place in communities across the country on Thursday, May 6, 2010. Using the theme My Feelings Are a Work of Art, teachers, care providers, parents, and others will engage young children in art activities that encourage them to talk about having and expressing feelings. Visit www.arttherapy.org/chmad.asp to learn more about and sign up for My Feelings Are a Work of Art the Awareness Day 2010 Art Action!
Create your own activity, plan an event that speaks to the unique needs of your community, or conduct an Awareness Day Art Action utilizing the resources provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the collaborating organizations that support Awareness Day.
* Gilliam, W. (2005). Prekindergartners left behind: Expulsion rates in state prekindergarten systems. Foundation for Child Development, Policy Brief 3.
Gilliam, W. S., & Shahar, G. (2006). Prekindergarten expulsion and suspension: Rates and predictors in one state. Infants and Young Children, 19, 228-245.
