As our country responds to and recovers from the pandemic, mental health and wellness have emerged as ongoing concerns. Parents and child care providers alike must be equipped to support their own mental health and wellness needs in addition to those of the children they love and care for. The entire early care and education workforce—regardless of setting and including those who provide out-of-school time and summer enrichment—must also have the resources and supports they need.
A collection of resources to support the mental health and wellness of children, their families, and the workforce are listed below. These resources are organized into two categories: (1) materials designed for families and (2) materials designed for child care providers. Some resources may benefit both audiences.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood" (2021).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). About mental health.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
A Resource Guide for Developing Integrated Strategies to Support the Social and Emotional Wellness of Children
This Resource Guide highlights promising strategies and provides information about how some Child Care and Development Fund grantees have already leveraged partnerships and funding to support implementation success.
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Self-Care and Healing
This roundtable focuses on the importance of self-care and family care. The discussion asks three questions: 1) Why are self-care and healing so important yet so difficult? 2) What are culturally responsive strategies to support well-being? 3) What are key approaches for self-care during this period of the COVID pandemic and increasing anti-Asian hate crimes and incidents?
Being Brave: Grounding Ourselves in Our Ancestors' Resilience
The recording of Being Brave: Grounding Ourselves in Our Ancestors' Resilience is a workshop that will guide you through some grounding techniques that tap into the strength and resilience of American Indian / Alaska Native communities. You'll work through exercises that you can adapt for any age to activate mindfulness into your programming. Be prepared to write and reflect, so bring a pen/pencil and something to write on.
CDC: Helping Children Cope with Emergencies
A web page addressing the signs of distress in children of different ages, and strategies to support these children.
Available in Spanish
Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center: Children’s Response to Crises and Tragic Events
This tip sheet can enhance adults' understanding of children’s responses to a crisis.
Early Head Start National Resource Center@ Zero To Three: Pathways to Prevention
(PDF)
A comprehensive guide for supporting infant and toddler mental health, that includes definitions, strategies, and challenges.
Healthy Ways to Handle Life’s Stressors
This short article by the American Psychological Association has 12 evidence-based tools proven to tackle stress.
Native Spirituality: Creating Time and Space for Trauma Recovery and Wellness
Native people define spirituality as central to their culture and traditions. Spirituality, culture, and healing ceremonies not only reinforce the core beliefs of tribal life but also restore personal balance when life stressors threaten to overwhelm. The COVID-19 pandemic added enormous anxiety and fear into many tribal communities. This discussion with Native spiritual and cultural leaders provides an opportunity to applaud the bravery of our health care providers and community members, and to discuss how Native spirituality can support our ab
