SP25 2590 Introduction to Children's Mental Health

Janice Hofschulte, Instructor

January 30th, 2025

Social and Emotional Resources

https://challengingbehavior.org/docs/Rebuilding-the-Pyramid.pdf

It is extremely important to understand when and how to reset and recover after a break, such as Christmas or other Holiday absences. Here is a helpful link and resource of strategies that may help in the classroom to avoid stressful behaviors.

https://challengingbehavior.org/docs/ToolsBuildingRelationships_starters-for-giving-positive-feedback_Home.pdf

Managing behavior can be extremely tricky when it comes to recovering from and avoiding it all together. Behavior always has a source, and a great way to combat it is through positive reactions and reinforcement. This link includes helpful tactics that can work towards positively impacting a child's development and how they can recognize appropriate behavior.

https://challengingbehavior.org/docs/My-teacher-wants-to-know.pdf

In helping children learn and develop in a positive environment, it is crucial to create communication with families and get to know them. This link provides questions and concerns that could be brought up in conversation to build an understanding of home life and a child's specific needs. It's also healthy to build a relationship and connection with families because it makes communication a lot easier and more comfortable for both parties. It's important for the child to understand that there's a safe connection between the educator and their loved ones.

https://challengingbehavior.org/docs/Rebuilding-the-Pyramid.pdf

Young children will almost always need assistance in routines, rules and change. Although it's easier for some kids to regulate when there is a shift in routine, it may be difficult for others. The link provided has great strategies that explain different ways to support the kids when these road blocks come up.

https://challengingbehavior.org/implementation/classroom/practical-strategies/

Social emotional skills cover a wide area when it comes to different parts of their daily life. Friendships, regulation, and problem-solving skills are just a few that fall under S/E terms. They all work together, and once one area is developing the others follow behind. This article lists different ways that we can provide skill development opportunities in simple ways that fit into daily routine.

https://challengingbehavior.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/communicating_with_families.pdf

Children thrive on routine and positive relationships- which includes positive relationships that they can mirror off of. Parent and teacher bonds are important in development because it not only makes communication easier, but is also great for tracking areas that the child might exceed and areas that might need a little more support. Difficult conversations are bound to be had when it comes to discussing S/E development, so clear and supportive communication is key. This article provides strategies on how to support a child and their family in regards to communication and social and emotional development.

https://challengingbehavior.org/docs/ttyc/TTYC_UsePositiveWords.pdf

Young children may have a hard time interpreting the true meaning behind phrases. If something is misleading to us, then it is definitely misleading to them. Using the proper and purposeful phrasing helps them develop the skills they need in order to recognize expectations and reasoning behind said expectations.

https://challengingbehavior.org/docs/YouGotIt_Teaching-Social-Emotional-Skills.pdf

One of the main components in being an educator is provding necessary supports for children in areas that are extra sensitive. Social and emotional health is extremely dependent on routine and pre-planned strategies to keep in your toolbox. This link shows different ways that educators can provide supports for children that are dealing with big feelings and difficult behaviors.

https://www.zerotothree.org/resource/article/racism-experienced-during-pregnancy-may-alter-infant-brain-circuitry-what-can-we-do-to-support-bipoc-moms-and-their-babies/

Many people are not aware that racism impacts ALL areas of EVERYTHING- even before the child is even earthside. The beginning of this link explains how racism can be dangerous for even unborn children.

https://challengingbehavior.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/culturally_responsive_practices.pdf

These pages support and show the idea and practices of supporting families by working together and keeping yourself educated

https://education.msu.edu/news/2024/families-voices-the-trauma-of-preschool-suspension-and-expulsion/

This link explains the outcomes and trauma that expulsion provides and where schools and centers might be lacking when it comes to supporting students and helping them achieve.

https://www.kare11.com/video/news/local/expulsion-rises-in-preschools/89-51d4f48e-5176-4f57-869a-89d0d94da39c

This video discusses who is more at-risk of suspension and expulsion, as well as mentioning that preschoolers are more at-risk of it than k-12.

https://headstart.gov/mental-health/article/trauma-resilience

https://www.ecmhc.org/tutorials/trauma/mod1_0.html

https://www.ecmhc.org/tutorials/trauma/mod1_0.html

https://centerforresilientchildren.org/preschool/assessments-resources/the-devereux-early-childhood-assessment-preschool-program-second-edition/