As we keep moving forward through the COVID-19 crisis, the mental health and wellbeing of children and their caregivers is an area that has increased in attention and need. It’s important to note that:
- Nearly 1 in 5 American adults will have a diagnosable mental health condition in any given year;
- 46 percent of Americans will meet the criteria for a diagnosable mental health condition sometime
in their life, and half of those people will develop conditions by the age of 14.
Source: Mental Health America (MHA) https://mhanational.org/
Below is a list of mental health resources that child care providers can use as they continue to serve children and families through the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond:
- PA Key Infant Early Childhood Mental Health Program (IECMH): https://www.pakeys.org/iecmh/
The IECMH Program can help children, families and early child education providers through a reflective,
collaborative, problem-solving and capacity-building relationship that builds stronger relationships and
helps infants and young children feel safe, supported, and valued. Free support includes:- The Pennsylvania Key IECMHC Virtual Office Hours https://s35729.pcdn.co/wpcontent/uploads/2021/07/Pennsylvania-Key-IECMHC-Virtual-Office-Hours-7.21.pdf
- IECMH Consultation https://s35729.pcdn.co/wpcontent/uploads/2021/03/IECMHbrochure_Feb2021.pdf
- IECMH Resources: Newsletter, Reports, Early Childhood Mental Health Matters Handouts https://www.pakeys.org/iecmh/resources/
Head Start Early Childhood Learning & Knowledge Center: https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/mental-health
- Head Start Campain: https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/mental-health/article/head-start-heals-campaign
- Supports increased awareness about how programs can provide protective factors, such as strong,
trusting relationships and safe, stable environments that promote healing for children, families, and
staff. - Resources created from FAQs submitted during the Head Start Heals Campaign and related
office hours can be found here: https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/mental-health/article/headstart-heals-frequently-asked-questions. Topics include:- Child Abuse and Neglect
- Engaging Families
- Self-Care and Stress Management
- Supporting and Understanding Trauma During COVID-19
- Supporting Grief and Loss
- Talking to Children about COVID-19
- Transitioning Back to School after Quarantine
Mental Health Resources to Support Response and Recovery During COVID-19 - https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/mental-health/article/mental-health-resources-support-responserecovery-during-covid-19
- Provides resources that child care programs can use with families and staff affected by a crisis or tragic event and may be helpful as programs respond to COVID-19. Find materials on mental health and wellness, short- and long-term recovery, and caring for yourself during recovery.
- Mental Health America (MHA) offers a screening resource that can help determine if a caregiver may be having emotional, attentional, or behavioral difficulties: https://screening.mhanational.org/screening-tools/
10/2021