Education Matters | Big Changes for Little Learners: The Florida Center’s Preschool Consultation Program

By Kaileia Suvannamaccha | November 2024

“Preschoolers are expelled at three times the rate of students in kindergarten through 12th grade,” reveals Kate Reed, Chief Philanthropy Officer at The Florida Center for Early Childhood. The consequences of this startling statistic are severe. Bouncing from one school to another sets children on a path toward long-term academic and personal challenges, such as undiagnosed disabilities, poor self-esteem, and an increased likelihood of dropping out of high school. For parents, the strain can also be overwhelming—lost workdays, countless meetings with administrators, frantic school searches, and, tragically, a higher risk of child abuse.

The Florida Center’s Preschool Consultation Program is transforming this grim reality in Sarasota and Manatee counties. By equipping teachers with the tools to navigate young students’ intense emotions, the program empowers educators to foster stability, reduce expulsions, and promote healthy social-emotional development.

“If we’re going to address the needs of children and families in Sarasota and Manatee, one of the best things we can do is start as early as possible,” says Dr. Neal Horen, Director of the National Center of Excellence for Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation at Georgetown University and board member of The Florida Center. “And if we all agree on that, the next step is to support the people working with young children.” 

The Florida Center’s Preschool Consultation Program does exactly that—pairs a mental health expert with someone who provides care to preschool-age children, giving them confidence, skills, and strategies to address the needs of each child at the earliest stage of development.

Shifting Perspectives

The heart of the program is built on the fundamental understanding that behavior is a form of communication, especially in young children. Preschoolers often lack the words to express their emotions, and may act out instead, whether through tantrums, defiance, or withdrawal.

“When asked what they needed most, teachers said they needed help responding to student behavior,” says Kelly Romanoff, Senior Vice President at Barancik Foundation, whose team has supported the program through funding of services as well as program evaluation.

“This was the perfect solution—offering coaching that helps teachers understand what children are trying to express through their behavior,” she explains, shedding light on the program’s impact. “The work is proving effective. Now, teachers can thoughtfully ask, ‘What is this child trying to tell me, and how can I help them?’” 

This shift in perspective is critical in helping educators address the root causes of a child’s behavior rather than merely managing classroom disruptions.

Changing the Narrative

Since the program’s launch in 2023, participating schools have reported fewer expulsions and more teachers who feel confident and better equipped to support their students. The program is designed so that the consultants work together with teachers—collaboration being key to the program’s success.

“I love that the focus is on the workforce. Being a preschool teacher is tough,” adds Kimberly Treharne, Chief Program Officer of The Florida Center. “Teachers are often unaware of how stressed they are until they start working with the consultant.”

As Dr. Horen points out, this is especially vital given the staffing crisis that hit early education during COVID. “When teachers feel supported, they stay—and that consistency is crucial.”

Amy Robinson, M. Ed., Director of Early Childhood Education at Starfish Academy, a program of The Florida Center, expressed her gratitude, saying, “We have the best consultant I’ve ever worked with in 30 years of being in the field of early childhood education. Her compassion, communication style, and knowledge continue to astound me every day. She is an essential piece of our team, and we are lucky to have her in our building!”

Rachel Kelley at Free to Grow Academy 2 shares her experience as well. “Our consultant is amazing—she loves the children, and they love her. She always shows us new strategies to assist children with social and behavioral skills. I love the way she keeps us updated on the children’s progress and gives us areas to focus on each week.”

Consultants also build relationships with parents, ensuring that the strategies used in the classroom are reinforced at home and that families who need it are connected with referrals for developmental services, such as speech therapy, behavioral screenings, or mental health services. Treharne explains, “It’s much easier to address speech delays with a three-year-old than a six-year-old.” 

Early intervention ensures children have the support they need before entering kindergarten.

Better Futures for Young Learners

The benefits of The Florida Center’s Preschool Consultation Program extend beyond the classroom. Children who stay in stable educational environments tend to be more successful. They build stronger self-esteem and are better able to overcome challenges later in life. Parents, in turn, feel more supported, which reduces stress at home and fosters positive parent-child relationships.

“Our goal isn’t just reducing expulsions,” Treharne emphasizes. “The goal is to equip adults with the skills and insights to support children’s development without needing a consultant on-site permanently.”

Thanks to the Preschool Consultation Program, Sarasota and Manatee counties are leading the way in early childhood education—proving that with the right resources and support, even the biggest emotions in the littlest learners can be navigated with care. With each school that joins the program, the vision becomes clearer: a community where every child has the opportunity to thrive.

The Ripple Effect

The consultation model’s success in Sarasota is also seen as a potential blueprint for other regions. Dr. Horen explains, “What the Florida Center is doing here could serve as a great model across Florida. Teachers and families carry these lessons with them wherever they go. We’re planting seeds that can take root and grow in other places.”

The Florida Center is creating a ripple effect—one child, one teacher, one family at a time.

Celebrating and Supporting The Florida Center at The Wonder Gala

Kate Reed highlights the upcoming Wonder Gala on December 6 at The Ora as a meaningful way to support the center’s mission. “The Wonder Gala will capture the magic of the season while celebrating the remarkable progress of the children and families we serve,” she says. “Recent storms and natural disasters have added significant emotional and financial hardship to the families we support, making it even more important for us to come together during this challenging time.”

The special evening offers guests a unique opportunity to connect with others who share a passion for The Florida Center’s mission and to witness the profound impact of its transformative work. “By attending and supporting the Wonder Gala, supporters help ensure our vital programs continue to thrive, providing services that aren’t fully funded by other revenue streams.” 

FOR MORE INFORMATION and to purchase tickets and learn about sponsorship opportunities, visit TheFloridaCenter.org or call 941-371-8820.