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.
This video clip shows staff and family reflections on their conversations. Mary, a parent, and Ms. Jefferson, a teacher, are asked questions about the impact of this type of conversation on their relationship with each other. Watch this clip to see reflection in action and to understand how using specific Motivational Interviewing strategies can help to deepen your relationships with families.
View this 20-minute educational video to learn how toxic stress can impact a child’s lifelong health and well-being.
This video appeals to Head Start staff and health care professionals. It is designed to help them understand what toxic stress is, what it does to a person, and easy things to do to help prevent it.
This video appeals to Head Start staff and health care professionals. It is designed to help them understand what toxic stress is, what it does to a person, and easy things to do to help prevent it.
Share these posters with families to help them identify daily routines and learn how to increase positive social and emotional support throughout the day.
All young children benefit when their caregivers are healthy and not too stressed or depressed. Explore practical tools to help caregivers build positive relationships with their infants, toddlers, and preschoolers and reduce stress.
Use these posters to support families with infants. Share tips for how parents can support infants' social and emotional development.
Use these posters to support families with toddlers. Share these tips for how parents can to help them support toddlers' social and emotional development.
This resource offers data to support the importance of investing in early childhood mental health consultation. Programs may use the resources in this tool kit as a guide in designing and implementing effective mental health services for families.
This tool supports parents and caregivers in understanding temperament. Discover simple best practice tips adults can use to foster the unique temperament of each child.