Together For Kids aims to promote the general health, social, and emotional well being of young children and families throughout Central Massachusetts.

A 2001 Together For Kids survey of 300 children ages 2 to 5 years found that 18% were at-risk for being expelled from childcare as a result of “challenging behaviors,” include biting, hitting, aggression, temper tantrums, inattentiveness, impulsivity, destruction of property, social isolation, and developmental delays. The TFK Coalition, which is a community network of parents, providers, and advocates, created a model of support for children that includes mental health consultation, teacher training, parent skill development, and improved communication between the childcare center and parents.

The TFK model provides intervention early so children are ready to learn in school.

The Together For Kids four-year pilot project has already demonstrated that children can make rapid progress and overcome delays with this support. Parents have gained skills, staff turnover has declined, children’s behavior has improved, and the preschool expulsion rate is close to zero.