Mental Health Referrals for Children and Families
This resource has tips for finding mental health providers, developing partnerships with them, and referring children and families to their services.
Mental Health
Head Start programs support the mental health of children, families, and staff every day. Early childhood mental health is the same as social and emotional well-being. It is a child’s developing capacity to express and regulate emotions, form trusting relationships, explore, and learn—all in the cultural context of family and community. The mental health of children and the adults that care for them is essential for school readiness.
Hiring, Job Descriptions, and Contracts
Learn how to develop job descriptions and contracts for mental health consultants.
Implementing Effective Mental Health Consultation Toolkit
This toolkit helps Head Start administrators develop and implement a multidisciplinary approach to mental health and mental health consultation.
Understanding Mental Health Consultation in Head Start Programs
Use this resource to learn more about mental health consultation and how to find a consultant who meets your Head Start program’s unique needs.
Mindfulness in Head Start Settings
Mindfulness in Head Start Settings is a course available on the Individualized Professional Development Portfolio that offers mindfulness strategies for adults and children.
Helping Children, Families, and Communities Cope with Grief
Watch this video to learn strategies and find Sesame Workshop resources to help children and others cope with grief.
How Children Respond to Stress and Trauma
This resource helps families and Head Start staff understand the effects of stress and trauma, so children can get the support and care they need to cope.
Talking with Families About Depression
This resource provides tips for staff to help them have conversations with families about depression.
Strategies and Recommendations for Supporting Mental Health
Log Number: ACF-OHS-IM-24-01 | Issuance Date: 05-09-2024
Adult Recess
Practice your adult regulation skills and have some fun playing! Follow along as the Adult Recess videos guide you through a warm up, interactive game, and closing reflection.