While roughly 15% of new mothers suffer from maternal depression, the rates are much higher in families with lower incomes. In fact, 52% of mothers in an Early Head Start research study reported high levels of depressive symptoms.
This resource provides examples of how to use motivational interviewing strategies in everyday conversations between staff and families.
Early childhood programs improve learning outcomes when they implement policies to reduce and eliminate preschool expulsion.
After a disaster or crisis, children benefit when adults assure them that they are safe and help them learn how to cope effectively. In this tip sheet, learn what to do to help a child after a disaster or crisis.
Head Start programs are increasingly involved in efforts to assist adult family members in gaining parenting skills that can both promote positive social-emotional development and prevent challenging behaviors. In recent years, a number of formal parenting curricula have been developed and researched. We have identified five such programs with promising effects.
Ongoing research continues to show us how adversity and toxic stress in early childhood can have a negative impact throughout a person's life. These videos are designed to help them understand what toxic stress is, what it does to a person, and easy things to do to help prevent it.
Head Start program staff are required to work in partnership with families to ensure they have access to any needed mental health services. This brief is designed to: (1) provide guidance for Head Start program staff to identify mental health providers who best meet a family's needs, culture, and personality, and (2) offer ideas to overcome access barriers.
Head Start programs support the mental health of children, families, and staff every day. Early childhood mental health is the same as social and emotional well-being.
Biting is a common but upsetting behavior of toddlers. It is important for parents to address biting when it occurs. This fact sheet provides tips for parents and program staff on how to better understand issues around biting.
"My 1st Year" and "Discovering Feelings" Books can be used by parents, caregivers and consultants. They are designed to help adults better understand a baby's development, recognize important milestones and in helping to label a young child’s feelings.