Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month.
Mental health is the overall wellness of how people think, regulate feelings, and behave. Mental health is important at every stage of life, including childhood.
Mental health disorders in children are generally defined as delays or disruptions in developing age-appropriate thinking, behaviors, social skills or regulation of emotions. These disorders can cause distress to children and disrupt their ability to function well at home, in school, or in other social situations.
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Healthy Minds COP
The ELRC Region 5 will hosts virtual Healthy Minds Communities of Practice sessions every Monday at 1:30 p.m. for all child care providers. These are short sessions (15-minutes) where providers can engage in a mindful practice together and talk about successes and challenges in practicing. Learn more.
DAP Series
As part of the 12-part Developmentally Appropriate Parenting Series, Trying Together - ELRC Region 5’s quality partner - highlights several resources to support parents and caregivers who are caring for young children with mental health disorders. Topics include common childhood mental health disorders, children's books about mental health, the impact of parental mental health on children, and more.
Hope Day Block Party
Staunton Farm Foundation is hosting a Hope Day Block Party on Saturday, May 21 at The Kingsley Association in East Liberty. The block party will have live performances, education about mental health, free food, and an art exhibit coming from Maine focusing on youth voice. Learn more.
Mental Health in Afterschool
The National Afterschool Association curated 15 resources to support mental health in all aspects of social and emotional learning in out-of-school-time programs.
Mental Health Month Toolkit
The theme of Mental Health America’s 2022 Mental Health Month Toolkit is "Back to Basics." After the last two years of living with the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are realizing that stress, isolation, and uncertainty have taken a toll on their well-being. The toolkit provides information about mental health and what people can do if their mental health is a cause for concern.
Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) Consultation Program
Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) Consultation is a free resource that supports children’s social- emotional development from birth through age five within early learning programs participating in Keystone STARS. Mental health consultants work with parents and early care and education caregivers to facilitate healthy growth and development for infants and young children. IECMH consultation provides support for parents and childcare professionals who work with children experiencing persistent or puzzling challenges. Learn more.