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 early care and education 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 Campaign: 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/
• SAMHSA offers free, downloadable publications and tip sheets, as well as mobile apps for youth, teens, and young adults on topics such as substance misuse, common mental health conditions, and coping with disasters and other traumatic events. https://www.samhsa.gov/prevention-week/substance-use-prevention-resources-youth-college-students

Updated 10/11/22