Head Start and Early 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 webinar describes activities that an IECMH consultant engages in on behalf of children and families. Learn the essential elements of engagement that promote positive relationships to achieve better outcomes.
In part three of Sesame Street in Communities' Racial Justice Resources to Promote Social and Emotional Skills webinar series, explore resources to help young children make decisions and resolve conflicts.
In part two of Sesame Street in Communities' Racial Justice Resources to Promote Social and Emotional Skills webinar series, learn how to bring families together and build a strong sense of community.
In part one of Sesame Street in Communities' Racial Justice Resources to Promote Social and Emotional Skills webinar series, learn how to support children to celebrate our differences on the inside and out.
View these videos to learn more about celebrating identities, building community, and resolving conflicts with resources designed for young children, their families, and the staff who care for them.
Watch these videos to learn to support a variety of pathways to mental health and healing. The videos raise awareness about the effect of historical trauma on mental health and how to reduce barriers of bias.
In this video, learn tips for how to navigate traumatic racial experiences with Head Start staff and families. Learn how trauma-informed care and historical trauma relate to Head Start services.
Watch this video for perspectives on mental health within historically marginalized communities. Learn strategies to promote mental health and healing that can be applied in Head Start programs.
This webinar showcases Head Start programs that have implemented trauma-attuned care, which blends an understanding of trauma with all aspects of a program’s organizational culture, policies, and practices.
This resource describes eight dimensions of staff well-being. Head Start programs can use this resource to make sure they are promoting staff wellness across all dimensions.