Mental Health Consultants

Early education teachers and other child care professionals often describe children’s problem behavior as one of the most challenging issues with which they are presented. The alarming statistics on preschool expulsions provide strong evidence that early education and child care staff need increased assistance in addressing children’s healthy social and emotional development.

Mental health consultation is a First Things First investment to decrease negative outcomes in children’s lives, such as preschool expulsion, and increase positive outcomes, such as being competent problem solvers and confident learners in kindergarten and beyond.

Specific skills critical to effective mental consultation in early care and education settings include

·         Knowledge of infant mental health principles;

·         Knowledge of typical child development;

·         Facilitating the learning process with groups of teachers and caregivers;

·         Observing, listening, interviewing, and assessment skills;

·         Knowledge of adult learning principles;

·         Experience working with parents;

·         Knowledge of community resources to support mental health of families and children.

·         Understanding cultural differences;

·         Appreciation of the importance of early education and child care; and

·         Curiosity and respect for differences.

Whatever the early care and education setting, it is the quality of the relationships between the adults and the children that either significantly enriches or detracts from a child’s experiences. Although relationships are important in most professions, relationships in early care and education directly shape young children’s growth and development – for better or worse.

Resources

Early Childhood Mental Health (Zero to Three)  

From Baby to Big Kid Newsletter (Zero to Three)