Center for Early Learning Professionals

Center for Early Learning Professionals

Mental Health Resources

Resources for Supporting the Mental Health of Early Childhood Educators

Now more than ever, early childhood programs need to attend to the mental health needs of their staff. Likewise, educators must take care of their own behavioral health. The following organizations offer a wealth of resources, articles, and support for the unique needs of the ECE community.

The Office of Early Childhood Development (ECD) provides resources to support early childhood mental health and social and emotional development for families and early childhood educators.

https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ecd/initiatives/behavioral-health

The SAMHSA website provides information and health care guidance for those needing support with their mental health, drugs, or alcohol.

https://www.samhsa.gov/find-support

The Head Start Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center has dedicated many pages on their website to the promotion of staff well-being. Here you can find articles, videos, and resources on staff mental health and overall staff wellness.

https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/mental-health/article/promoting-staff-well-being

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) has developed a series of videos on the importance of mental health and how programs can provide effective wellness support for their staff. 

https://cblcc.acf.hhs.gov/shareable-media/videos/acf-video-series/

Article from Young Children: Preventing Compassion Fatigue: Caring for Yourself by Sarah Erdman, ​Laura J. Colker, and Elizabeth C. Winter.

Supporting Children, Families, and Providers through Traumatic Events

In response to the ongoing traumatic events in the news, EDC has released a statement on gun violence along with valuable resources for adults, children, and communities.

EDC Statement on Gun Violence

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network presents several helpful guides about how to help children, families, and providers cope after mass violence

Coping After Mass Violence

Assisting Parents/Caregivers in Coping with Collective Traumas

The Child Mind Institute provides a wide assortment of valuable resources on supporting children’s mental health

Helping Children Cope with Frightening News

How to Talk to Children about School Shooting

Supporting Families and Young Children in Times of Fear and Anxiety (Early Childhood Investigations webinar, by Dr. Lauren Starnes)

Resources