Therapeutic Nursery School

TNS Wish List

Program Director: Ms. Julia Westney, MA, MFT
510-655-4896
julie@ebac.org

EBAC'S Therapeutic Nursery School (TNS) in Oakland provides early childhood education and comprehensive mental health services for children ages 2-1/2 through 5 years old, whose life traumas have resulted in extreme behavioral, emotional, and/or learning challenges.

With an interdisciplinary team and high staff-child ratio, TNS fills a void when mainstream daycares and preschools cannot meet children's mental health needs. Many of the children survived prenatal drug exposure, child abuse or neglect, multiple foster placements, and other traumas. They often have difficulties processing their emotions and controlling their impulses. TNS provides a structured, consistent, and nurturing environment, which supports their emotional and educational growth. The children also develop enhanced social skills and learn to work cooperatively.

Family involvement is an integral part of our program. We meet with families on a regular basis to discuss and provide support for the child's progress at home, school and in the community.

Outcomes are extremely positive, including the stabilization of the foster care placement, which in many cases has led to successful adoptive placements. Without a doubt, these early intervention services save thousands of mental health dollars.