Document Type
Article
Publication Date
Spring 2024
Abstract
Research shows that young children experiencing social emotional difficulties in early childhood can have a lasting impact on later functioning in school and through their adult lives. Additionally, research has suggested that mental health intervention in young children can significantly help children navigate these challenges. With these research findings in mind, this school improvement plan was created to deliver early childhood mental health consultation to an early childhood program serving at-risk children in the Bay Area of California. This plan is comprised of a prevention-oriented approach that strengthens the capacity of school staff to prevent, identify, treat, and reduce the impact of mental health problems (MHPs) in children and their families. Furthermore, the plan seeks to enhance classroom relationships, create emotionally responsive environments, strengthen adult child interactions, prevent challenging behaviors, and support social emotional competencies in children and their families.