ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview of the Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CTRT) protocol for teachers of children in preschool and early elementary school. The CTRT model is also intended as a useful intervention for children experiencing mental health difficulties in early childhood. The catalyst for the development of CTRT was the growing realization that a positive child-teacher relationship can have a multitude of benefits for both the young child and for the professional teacher. A positive child-teacher relationship can impact teachers as well as students. Children’s mental health needs and behavioral difficulties, and teachers’ minimal exposure to skills and training designed to meet children’s difficulties, may contribute to a challenging relationship between child and teacher. When a child is exhibiting challenging behaviors in the classroom, it may be due to a mental health issue or need that is not being addressed.
