SC Has The Highest Preschool Expulsion Rate in the Country
Raising Relationships is the podcast exposing why, and what we can do to change it.
Appalling expulsion rates.
The preschool to prison track.
Stark disparities in early care and education.
These realities are not easy, but they cannot be ignored. Join us as we follow one family’s story and talk to the doctors, educators, and advocates working to change the landscape of infant and early childhood mental health.
Listen on your favorite app now!
Raising Relationships
Why we created this podcast.
Many people don’t understand the pressures, the heavy weight of responsibility, or the difficult situations that come up daily in early care and education centers across the state.
In fact, South Carolina has the highest number of children with one or more out-of-school preschool expulsions in the country.
Did you know that children expelled from preschool are more likely to drop out of high school or be incarcerated as an adult?
This is a problem that cannot continue to be ignored.Â
Want to go deeper?
Join our community for new episode alerts and get free access to our Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health introductory course—perfect for the educators and advocates this podcast is made for.
The Personal Journey Behind the Data: Shontee & Micah
Join hosts Amaris and Tiffany as they follow the personal journey of Shontee and her son, Micah, through their experiences in the childcare system.
While their story is unique to them, we find throughout the show that preschool expulsion is unfortunately common in South Carolina.
We hear from experts including doctors, educators, social workers, and psychologists who offer perspective on the relationships surrounding Shontee and Micah’s journey. They also weigh in on mental health concerns in early care settings and give encouragement to parents and caregivers facing similar situations.
Who should listen?
Early Childhood Educators
Why expulsions happen and strategies that keep kids in care
Parents & Caregivers
What to do if your child is struggling and how to advocate for them
Advocates & Policymakers
Data and expert views on how to change systems in South Carolina
Mental Health Professionals
The intersection of IECMH, behavior, and early education settings
Everyone in South Carolina!
If you know a child, this podcast brings awareness & support for those you love
Listen on your favorite app now!
Raising Relationships
Follow Shontee & Micah's story of navigating childcare in SC, while experts weigh in on preschool expulsion and child developmentÂ
Episode 1
Meet Shontee and Micah, a SC family navigating childcare. What is Infant Mental Health?
Episode 2
Data and stories on preschool expulsion in SC and the lifelong impact it has on children.
Episode 3
What is "normal" in childhood development? Hear from Developmental Pediatricians.
Episode 4
Circle of Security Parenting Group and the support it offers for free to caregivers in SC.
Episode 5
Preschool teacher and IECMH consultant discuss the classroom
Episode 6
Self-care for early educators so they are prepared to care for children.
BONUS
Where is Micah now? The conclusion to the story and Shontee's  advice  to others.
