Sunshine Circles is a teacher-led group process using social-relationship principles from Theraplay®. This study, conducted across 6 preschool sites in the midwestern United States, was the first to examine empirical outcomes against a control group for this program. Students in these teacher-led, play-based groups improved significantly compared with controls in social-emotional skills, behavioral regulation, problem-solving, and fine motor control. Specific improvements occurred in domains of managing feelings, cooperation, accepting limits, peer interactions and friendships, and solving social problems. Furthermore, structured teacher observation measurements yielded data indicating improvement in teacher classroom performance. Interviews with teachers confirmed that the intervention subjectively increased classroom cohesion, improved teacher–student relationships, and improved overall classroom behavior. These findings have implications for both classroom best practice and teacher education.

Platt was invaluable in developing this document. I am thankful for her support and availability, and for going above and beyond to ensure that I successfully completed this process. Dr. Baker has served as a mentor for many years and has been a valuable source of knowledge about the subject matter. I am thankful for the opportunities that he has provided me in the forensic field, and for the countless pieces of advice he has provided me.There are many other staff members who have made obtaining this degree seamless and memorable, including Vicki Railing, Dr. James Bartee, and Dr. David Allen. I have felt welcomed since arriving at WVU and from them have gained vital knowledge and skills to ensure that I enter the workforce as a passionate and competent psychologist.

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