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Trauma Resources Specific to Early Childhood Programs

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Trauma Resources Specific to Early Childhood Programs

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Resources Specific to Early Childhood Programs

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This HHS Resource Guide to Trauma-Informed Human Services provides human services leaders at the local, State, Tribal, and Territorial levels with information and resources on recent advances in our understanding of trauma, toxic stress, and executive functioning.

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Mental Health Information For Parents and Caregivers of Children

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Mental Health Information For Parents and Caregivers of Children

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As a parent or caregiver, you want the best for your children or other dependents. You may be concerned or have questions about certain behaviors they exhibit and how to ensure they get help.

What to Look For

It is important to be aware of warning signs that your child may be struggling. You can play a critical role in knowing when your child may need help.

Consult with a school counselor, school nurse, mental health provider, or another health care professional if your child shows one or more of the following behaviors:

Feeling very sad or withdrawn or easily irritated for more than two weeks

Seriously trying to harm or kill themselves, or making plans to do so

Experiencing sudden overwhelming fear for no reason, sometimes with a racing heart or fast breathing

Getting in many fights or wanting to hurt others

Showing severe out-of-control behavior that can hurt oneself or others

Not eating, throwing up, or using laxatives to make themselves lose weight

Having intense worries or fears that get in the way of daily activities

Experiencing extreme difficulty controlling behavior, putting themselves in physical danger or causing problems in school

Using drugs or alcohol

Having severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships

Showing drastic changes in behavior or personality

A drop in their school performance

Because children often can't understand difficult situations on their own, you should pay particular attention if they experience:

Loss of a loved one

Divorce or separation of their parents

Any major transition-new home, new school, etc.

Traumatic life experiences, like living through a natural disaster

Teasing or bullying

Difficulties in school or with classmates

What to Do

If you are concerned about your child's behaviors, it is important to get appropriate care. You should:

Talk to your child's doctor, school nurse, or another health care provider and seek further information about the behaviors or symptoms that worry you

Ask your child's primary care physician if your child needs further evaluation by a specialist with experience in child behavioral problems

Ask if your child's specialist is experienced in treating the problems you are observing

Talk to your medical provider about any medication and treatment plans

How to Talk About Mental Health with Your Child

Do you need help starting a conversation with your child about mental health?

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As a parent or caregiver, you want the best for your children or other dependents. You may be concerned or have questions about certain behaviors they exhibit and how to ensure they get help.

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MonTECH provides technology, support, and services that improve the quality of life for Montanans with disabilities.

Borrow assistive technologies and adaptive equipment, and receive free, one-to-one help learning about devices we loan. MonTECH ships most items anywhere in Montana; free shipping and return shipping.*

Who can utilize MonTECH? Any Montanan, any age, with any physical or cognitive challenge including learning disabilities and impairments associated with aging. Do you live in Montana? If so, you qualify!

MonTECH's Missoula office is open 8:15 am - 5:00 pm weekdays for equipment drop-offs and pick-ups. For 1:1 assistance, please make an appointment. The Billings office is open by appointment.
*Some loan items are too large to ship and must be picked up at our Missoula location.
Make an Appointment for a Free 1:1 Assistive Technology Consultation

Missoula: For an in-person or online appointment, or to schedule a call, contact Michelle Allen at (406) 243-5486, michelle.allen@mso.umt.edu.

Billings: For an online appointment, or to schedule a call, feel free to use this link . Contact our Billings office directly to arrange equipment drop-off or pick-up: (406) 657-2089.

Support Our Mission While Spreading the Word About MonTECH

MonTECH provides Montanans with access to assistive technology regardless of socioeconomic factors like income. You can support our mission with a donation, or by purchasing MonTECH merchandise through our online store. All proceeds go directly to purchasing equipment for our loan program and supporting our annual conference for those with complex communication needs.

MonTECH strictly adheres to CDC guidelines for the cleaning of our equipment. We offer online as well as in-person appointments, and curbside service for equipment pick-up and drop-off.

Equipment Loans "
MonTECH loans assistive technology and adaptive equipment. Borrow for 30, 90, or 180 days depending on the loan item. MonTECH also hosts a loan program for adaptive trikes (Wheels Across Montana) in five locations around the state, and a re-use/exchange program.
Create account "

Demonstrations "
Demonstrations provide a way to explore the assistive technology available for your needs. Compare devices and learn features in a supportive, 1:1 environment. We hold demonstrations at our Missoula and Billings offices as well as virtually using the video-call platform of your choice.

Financial Assistance "
The funding resource guide lists funding sources available to acquire needed technologies and equipment. In partnership with RDI, Inc., MonTECH also offers a financial loan option; successful applicants can utilize this program to purchase home and vehicle modification, adaptive recreation equipment, and assistive devices including hearing aids.

Training "
MonTECH offers numerous Assistive Technology (AT) training opportunities for teams and individuals.

Reuse "
Sell, give away, exchange, or list a need for assistive technology or adaptive equipment free of charge. Post equipment that you need or want to sell on our exchange.

Accessible Boat Launch Sites "
New adaptive kayak/canoe/SUP launch sites project.

Get Started Ask a Question " Schedule an appointment " Evaluation Form "

MonTECH's Upcoming Events

Sorry, there are no upcoming events at this time. VIEW ALL EVENTS "

Michaela and Her Mom Find Freedom with Assistive Tech

Michaela Turner moved to Montana last year. The 32-year-old has Down syndrome and was well supported in Massachusetts. Here? "It was a shocker," Mom Becky remembers. "Michaela is now on [...]

MonTECH 2022 Annual Report

This year was amazing for MonTECH and the Montanans we serve. We rounded out our loan inventory for Montanans living with memory loss and their caregivers, and for outdoor enthusiasts [...]

Sign-up for MonTECH's newsletter. Receive updates on loan items, loans and upcoming events.

Trionic Veloped Trek

The Trionic Veloped Trek is a new take on the standard wheeled walker that allows you to enjoy life to its fullest. Fully equipped for hiking and traveling, it can [...]

Jogger Axiom Improv Push Chair

Axiom Size 3: All-terrain folding mobility system with an adjustable sun canopy. Accommodates a child approximately 12 to 15 years old, 59″-64″ in height; [...]

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MonTECH: Improving Lives with Technology MonTECH provides technology, support, and services that improve the quality of life for Montanans with disabilities. Borrow assistive technologies and adaptive equipment, and receive [...]

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Resources on Serving Montana Children with Disabilities

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Resources on Serving Montana Children with Disabilities

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General Health Care | Mental Health | Physical/Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities | Substance Abuse

Center for Health and Health Care in Schools Based at Georgetown University, the Center tests model programs to expand dental and mental health services to children through school-based health centers; analyzes policy options for organizing and financing health programs in schools; advises government officials and leaders in schools and health care institutions on how to provide cost-effective, accountable school health programs; researches issues and publicizes findings on the effectiveness of various school-based health programs and services; informs policymakers and the public on alternative approaches to school-based health programs and services through the CHHCS website, listserv, e-journal, and print publications.

Children's National Medical Center Comprises seven Centers of Excellence:

The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders The Diana L. and Stephen A. Goldberg Center for Community Pediatric Health
The Center for Heart, Lung and Kidney Disease.

The Center for Hospital-based Specialties Core inpatient services, including emergency care, neonatal and pediatric critical care, general inpatient care, diagnostic imaging and radiology, and respiratory therapy, as well as multiple outpatient services.

The Center for Neuroscience and Behavioral Medicine. Treats illnesses involving a child's psychological well-being, brain and nervous system.

The Center for Surgical Care. Surgeons perform more than 15,000 surgeries each year on infants, children and adolescents. Children's surgeons perform laser surgery and employ many types of minimally invasive techniques.

Child Health Advocacy Institute identifies and studies threats facing children and develops and and implements interventions to improve pediatric health outcomes.

Coordinated School Health Model A coordinated school health program (CSHP) model has eight interactive components (1) Health Education; (2) Physical Education; (3) Health Services; (4) Nutrition Services; (5) Counseling and Psychological Services ;(6) Healthy School Environments; (7) Health Promotion for Staff; and (8) Family/Community Involvement.

Covering Kids: National Health Access Initiative for Low-income, Uninsured Children Helps states and local communities increase the number of eligible children who benefit from health insurance coverage programs.

Data Resource Center on Child and Adolescent Health Free, easy-to-use website with national, state, and regional survey findings, interactive data search tools, personalized technical help by email or telephone, and information and examples to help visitors use data more effectively.

Family Doctor American Academy of Family Physicians has developed a web site designed to provide health information to the whole family, including teens. The teens section includes information about a number of childhood chronic health conditions, including sickle cell, cystic fibrosis, diabetes and cerebral palsy. Each brief condition specific entry includes information about "what doctors do" to treat the condition; and what teens can do to cope with the condition, and be healthier.

Health Care Transition The Promising Practices in Health Care Transition Project at the Institute for Child Health Policy at the University of Florida.

Health Resources and Services Administration, Maternal and Child Health Bureau, Division of Child, Adolescent and Family Health.

Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs.

Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition.
Montana CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Plan) Montana Public Health Home Visiting Program
National Alliance for Drug-Endangered Children supports a nationwide network of professionals serving drug endangered children by providing referrals to experts, updated research on topics concerning drug endangered children, and best practice information.
National Association of School Nurses
National Center of Medical Home Initiatives Sponsored by American Academy of Pediatrics, provides "Every Child Needs a Medical Home" Training Curriculum. Curriculum has seven components offering strategies and resources to provide care for children in a changing health care environment and provide a practical framework for creating medical home implementation awareness.

National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Conducts and supports laboratory, clinical, and epidemiological research on the reproductive, neurobiologic, developmental, and behavioral processes that determine and maintain the health of children, adults, families, and populations.
National Resource Center for Child Welfare Data and Technology
Public Policy Information and Analysis Center for Middle Childhood, Adolescent and Young Adult Health. Assists Maternal and Child Health Bureau in identifying, developing and analyzing information helpful to practitioners and policymakers at the national, state and local levels. The goal is to enhance the health status of the middle childhood and adolescent populations.

Research and Policy Center for Childhood and Adolescence, School of Medicine, University of California at San Francisco.

Teaching, Responding and Communicating Quality Physical Education: Creating Quality, Inclusive Physical Education & Physical Activity for all Students Publication from the North Carolina Office on Disability and Health.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans are designed so people can easily fit physical activity into their daily plan and incorporate activities they enjoy. The guidelines are based on the first thorough review of scientific research about physical activity and health in more than a decade. Guidelines are grouped by the following: children and adolescents, adults, older adults, pregnant women, adults with disabilities, and people with chronic medical conditions.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Healthy School Environments Assessment Tool (HealthySEATv2) is a fully customizable and easy to use software program designed to help school districts evaluate and manage all of their environmental, safety and health issues.

Siting of School Facilities An EPA-wide work group is currently developing the draft of the Voluntary Model School Siting Guidelines and anticipates posting a draft for public comment in summer, 2009.

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American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children American School Counselor Association
Casey Family Programs supports families, youth, and children in reaching their full potential. Casey provides an array of permanency planning, prevention, and transition services such as long-term family foster care, adoption, kinship care, job training, and scholarships. Through advocacy efforts, national and local community partnerships, and by serving as a center for information and learning about children in need of permanent family connections, the Programs aim to improve public and private services for children, youth, and families affected by the child welfare system.

Center for School Mental Health works with a wide range of stakeholders invested in integrated approaches to reduce barriers to student learning, including families, youth, educators, mental health and other child system staff, advocates, legislators, researchers and government officials. CSMH hosts national and regional conferences to advance research, policy, and practice related to mental health in schools.
Montana Association of School Psychologists Montana Children's Mental Health Services
Wraparound Montana: Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility Demonstration Waiver

National Association of School Psychologists provides information for students, families and teachers.

National Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center is supported by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education Programs. NECTAC serves all 50 states and 10 jurisdictions with an array of services and supports to improve service systems and outcomes for infants, toddlers, and preschool aged children with special needs and their families. Each state's Part C and Section 619 Program Coordinators have a contact person at NECTAC and request TA on behalf of their state programs.

Developmental Screening and Assessment Instruments with an Emphasis on Social and Emotional Development for Young Children Ages Birth through Five (May, 2008) Almost 40 instruments are categorized by whether they address multiple domains of development or whether they focus on social emotional development. Each instrument comes with a description and information about the age range for which it is appropriate, the time needed to administer the instrument, how scoring works, and who should conduct the screening. This document should be helpful to early childhood special education teachers, early childhood mental health specialists, and pre-k teachers in general.

National Child Traumatic Stress Network provides information for parents and caregivers, military children and families, educators, the media, and other professionals. Distance learning is available for professionals and families. Special topics include natural disasters and terrorism.

National Technical Assistance Center for Children's Mental Health. Based at Georgetown University, this center serves both vulnerable children and their families, and influences local, national, and international programs and policy.

Research and Training Center on Family Support and Children's Mental Health Focuses on improving services to children and youth who have mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders and their families.

Shodair Hospital (Helena) The Children's Unit provides in-patient psychiatric services for children 3-12 years old. Two Adolescent Units provide residential psychiatric treatment for children 12-18 years old. Shodair also conducts more than 70 genetics clinics annually throughout Montana to diagnose genetic conditions or disorders. Staff work with state perinatologists to diagnose and manage pregnancies at high risk for genetic disorders or birth defects.

Tunnels and Cliffs : A Guide for Workforce Development Practitioners and Policymakers serving Youth with Mental Health Needs helps workforce development practitioners, administrators, and policymakers increase their understanding of youth with mental health needs and the supports necessary to help them transition into the workforce successfully.
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Physical/Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities
American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children Association on Higher Education and Disability
Center on Inclusion in Early Childhood shares knowledge, fosters skills, and encourages attitudes that promote inclusion as a core component of excellence in early childhood. The Center expands child care options for children with disabilities and their families;
provides training and technical assistance for child care providers and other early childhood professionals (including specialists in early intervention and special education); and improves the quality of the child care experience for all children.

Community Services Locator Online Directory for finding community services for children and families. Service providers and families can use the directory to find health, mental health, family support, parenting, child care, and other services in their communities. Topics include education and special needs, health and wellness, mental health and well-being, family support, parenting, child care and early childhood education, and financial support.

Council of Administrators of Special Education is an international professional educational organization which is affiliated with the Council for Exceptional Children. Members are dedicated to the enhancement of the worth, dignity, potential, and uniqueness of each individual in society.

Epilepsy Foundation Provides training programs and "seizure smart" resource kits for teachers to increase their sensitivity and knowledge about seizures and supplies a comprehensive "Students with Seizures" manual for school nurses. An entire section is devoted to teachers, providing them with seizure information and suggestions on how to talk to kids in the classroom after a child has a seizure.

Family Doctor American Academy of Family Physicians has developed a web site designed to provide health information to the whole family, including teens. The teens section includes information about a number of childhood chronic health conditions, including sickle cell, cystic fibrosis, diabetes and cerebral palsy. Each brief condition specific entry includes information about "what doctors do" to treat the condition; and what teens can do to cope with the condition, and be healthier.

Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Genetics Home Reference National Institutes of Health online portal offers parents and physicians consumer-friendly information on over 200 genetic disorders and related genes. The site features an illustrated tutorial that explains the basics of genetics and includes a glossary of genetics terms. The lay-friendly site is particularly helpful to parents whose newborns have been detected with a genetic condition, and are looking for easy-to-read information on specific conditions.

Growing Up with Spina Bifida: What Have We Learned Report from the North Carolina Office on Disability and Health summarizes the major findings of the spina bifida research study, "Quality of Life and Secondary Conditions in Individuals with Spina Bifida."

Heath Clearinghouse on Postsecondary Education for Individuals with Disabilities at George Washington University has information for students with disabilities, educators, families, and guidance counselors.

Kennedy Krieger Institute Internationally recognized facility in Baltimore, Maryland is dedicated to improving the lives of children and adolescents with pediatric developmental disabilities through patient care, special education, research, and professional training. The Institute's clinical programs offer an interdisciplinary approach in treatment tailored to the individual needs of each child. Services include over 40 outpatient clinics; neurobehavioral, rehabilitation, and pediatric feeding disorders inpatient units; plus several home and community programs providing services to assist families.
Montana Children's Special Health Services Montana Early Childhood Comprehensive System Montana Education Association - Montana Federation of Teachers Montana Newborn Screening
Montana Parent Information and Resource Center provides leadership, technical assistance and coordination to help boost student academic achievement. The MT PIRC provides technical assistance and resources for school-family-community partnerships; and brings information, training and support to parents, educators, and those working with families. The focus is on early learning and school readiness; parent leadership; school-family-community partnerships; and statewide networking.
Montana Parent-Teacher Association
National Alliance for Medicaid in Education represents the nation's Medicaid and Education agency staff, along with local education agency administrators, with programmatic responsibility for administering Medicaid's Administrative Claiming and Direct Billing of Health Related Service programs in schools. The primary purposes of NAME are to provide an information network among the states on issues pertinent to the Medicaid programs in schools and to act as a focal point of communication between the states.

National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities identifies the causes of and prevents birth defects and developmental disabilities, helps children to develop and reach their full potential, and promotes health and well-being among people of all ages with disabilities.

National Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center is supported by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education Programs. NECTAC serves all 50 states and 10 jurisdictions with an array of services and supports to improve service systems and outcomes for infants, toddlers, and preschool aged children with special needs and their families. Each state's Part C and Section 619 Program Coordinators have a contact person at NECTAC and request TA on behalf of their state programs.

Developmental Screening and Assessment Instruments with an Emphasis on Social and Emotional Development for Young Children Ages Birth through Five (May, 2008) Almost 40 instruments are categorized by whether they address multiple domains of development or whether they focus on social emotional development. Each instrument comes with a description and information about the age range for which it is appropriate, the time needed to administer the instrument, how scoring works, and who should conduct the screening. This document should be helpful to early childhood special education teachers, early childhood mental health specialists, and pre-k teachers in general.

National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth. Ensures that young people with disabilities have access to high-quality services to maximize their opportunities for employment.

National Dissemination Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities Maintains state resource lists of elected officials, state disability-related agencies, parent resource centers, and disability organizations.

National Resource Center for Early Hearing Detection and Intervention at Utah State University helps state agencies, health care providers, hospitals, early intervention programs and families nationwide to develop and sustain comprehensive EHDI programs.

One Place for Special Needs is a web site created by a parent familiar with the frustrations of trying to locate appropriate services. She is creating a national database of organizations and is recruiting
therapists, tutors, special ed teachers, retired teachers, paraprofessionals, sitters/caregivers, students in the education/therapy/nursing fields, professionals in the medical and mental health field, vocational/social/life skills coaches and any people, organizations and businesses who help or offer services to those with special needs.

Online Oral Health Tutorial for Non-Dental Professionals: The UCLID Center (LEND Program) at the University of Pittsburgh has added a section on oral health in infants, toddlers, and preschoolers and children with disabilities to its free online tutorial. In addition to a general overview there is specific information regarding oral health in individuals with HIV/AIDS, Cerebral Palsy, and Down Syndrome.

PEAK Parent Center, Inc. - Region 5 Parent Training & Technical Assistance Center serves Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming.

Think College U.S. Department of Education web site for students with intellectual disabilities, family members, and professionals. Provides a searchable database of postsecondary education programs that support youth with intellectual disabilities, a discussion board designed by students for others interested in sharing college experiences, "Choice for Everyone" Listserv for family members and a wide range of professionals, and a resource section of web-based resources and publications.
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Center for Treatment Research on Adolescent Drug Abuse . Develops, refines, and evaluates family-oriented treatments for drug abusing adolescents. CTRADA investigators also aim to develop a greater understanding of treatment factors and patient and family characteristics that increase or decrease the likelihood of treatment success.

Missoula Forum for Children and Youth is an alliance of prevention coalitions, agencies, and individuals united by a common mission: To build and maintain a supportive environment for collaborative and proactive work to help Missoula prevent substance abuse and other problem behaviors and grow healthy and resilient children and youth.

National Alliance for Drug-Endangered Children supports a nationwide network of professionals serving drug endangered children by providing referrals to experts, updated research on topics concerning drug endangered children, and best practice information.

National Drug and Alcohol Abuse Helpline helps individuals find a rehabilitation program for specific alcohol or drug addiction problem. Case workers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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Resources on Serving Montana Children with Disabilities " Montana Disability and Health Program

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General Health Care | Mental Health | Physical/Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities | Substance Abuse Center for Health and Health Care in Schools Based at Georgetown University, the Center tests model programs to expand dental and mental health services to children through school-based health centers; analyzes policy options for organizing and financing health

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MTTIEC: Adversity, Resiliency & Trauma Resources for Child Care Providers

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MTTIEC: Adversity, Resiliency & Trauma Resources for Child Care Providers

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Parenting Montana provides easy-to-use parenting tools to support your child's success from kindergarten through the teen years.

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Open Ended Materials and Loose Parts 101

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Open Ended Materials and Loose Parts 101

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Open Ended Materials and Loose Parts.pdf