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Early Childhood Educators & Their Role with CMH

Having the opportunity to speak with the Southern Illinois Association for the Education of Young Children opened a great deal of communication as to what role an early childhood educator fills when it comes to children's mental health. A lot of people would automatically say that the role could simply be defined as the first gateway toward a child or family receiving mental health services -- but I think it is much more than that.

Not only is it possibly the first place to gain a referral, but it also could be the first place to become exposed to the "feeling" of what a mental health referral is. To clarify, I'm talking about whether or not the presentation of the referral prompts the family to feel positively about the intervention, or shamed and stigma laden about having to seek mental health services. Just for arguments sake, which way would you want your child's preschool teacher to approach you about a mental health referral? A or B?

A. Your child is having some difficulty fitting in with the other children. His behaviors don't allow him the ability to play for any length of time without causing the other children to walk away. He has a temper/anger problem that we believe needs to be evaluated by a mental health professional. Would you like to talk with the social worker that we have on staff?
B. As your child's preschool teacher, it's my job to help identify possible barriers to your child's academic and social success. Mental health care is significantly important when it comes to school and I think it's important that we consider consulting with the social worker/counselor to make sure that we are providing him every opportunity to succeed. Would you like for me to assist you in meeting with them?

The difference is clear -- one is a labeling and accusing statement without support (your child is bad and what are you doing as a parent?) and the other is a supportive, non-blaming collaboration to making sure that all children have an equal chance to succeed. Not only would it be received better by a caregiver, but choice B is also more comfortable for the pre-school teacher.



Officers of the SIAEYC...great new Green Ribbon Advocates!

In order to reduce the stigma of mental health and make it an acceptable part of growth and development, we have to start at a very young age. The introduction of services to caregivers is a very important part of this process. The SIAEYC members were so supportive of this idea and their excitement regarding their role in this process was an inspiration for me. No one wants to feel labeled or judged and remembering to treat others as we would want to be treated is the key to acceptance. Thank you SIAEYC for being a great group of caring providers. You're an admirable group!

I was also fortunate to have a co-presenter at the event, Brittany Smith from the Children's Mental Health Network! She gave the SIAEYC great information about the Network and then told them about the White Board campaign. It's always fantastic when I get to be around Brittany and feel her energy about sharing mental health advocacy. We both appreciate the interest in the White Board Campaign and those who got their photo taken for the campaign wall. Check out those photos here. 

 

 If you are in the early childhood field and would like to learn more about mental health services for children ages birth to 5, please feel free to contact me about information and resources.