Strategies and Recommendations for Supporting Mental Health
Log Number: ACF-OHS-IM-24-01 | Issuance Date: 05-09-2024
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.
Log Number: ACF-OHS-IM-24-01 | Issuance Date: 05-09-2024
In this video, learn ways to support social and emotional well-being. Also, find out about Sesame Workshop videos, articles, storybooks, and games that programs can share to keep everyone healthy and happy.
Tucker the Turtle is here to help children and families learn simple steps and strategies to work through big feelings like anger. This fun resource will have the whole family thinking like a turtle!
Explore this collection of resources to learn how to support children’s social and emotional well-being. This collection also includes resources related to adult mental wellness.
Explore key concepts about self-regulation development and intervention for infants and toddlers and preschool-aged children. Learn about strategies to promote self-regulation for these age groups.
Find strategies to support children's healthy social and emotional development and prevent or reduce behaviors that could negatively affect their development. Explore relevant standards and resources.
Head Start programs are increasingly involved in efforts to assist adult family members in gaining parenting skills that can both promote positive social-emotional development and prevent challenging behaviors. In recent years, a number of formal parenting curricula have been developed and researched. We have identified five such programs with promising effects.
The ideas and strategies outlined below are available in a variety of formats. They include Twitter postings ("tweets"), classroom activities, and supplemental materials that can be sent home for families to do at home.
The What Works Brief is a continuing series of easy-to-read, "how to" information packets on a variety early learning practices. Program managers and in-service providers may find this resource useful in meeting professional development needs. This brief discusses children’s emotional literacy and illustrates practical intervention strategies for early childhood settings and home environments
Share these posters with families to help them identify daily routines and learn how to increase positive social and emotional support throughout the day.