This is a FREE event for SCIMHA MEMBERS. 

During the earliest years of a child’s life there are many opportunities to promote social and emotional/mental health, prevent behavioral/mental health concerns, and intervene when mental health difficulties arise. Everyone who touches the life of a young child in a capacity to impact their social and emotional wellbeing has a role to play in strengthening their mental health needs. Families play the most important role in helping children develop social and emotional wellbeing.  Supporting parents and primary caregivers in strengthening their children’s social and emotional/behavioral health is one of the most meaningful ways we can influence optimal child health and wellbeing.

Dr. Holly Wilcher and Dr. Kelley Perkins will lll explore strategies and resources early childhood professionals can use to support parents, family members, and other primary caregivers recognize the powerful role they play in supporting the social and emotional/mental health of their babies, toddlers and young children. Participants will explore how they’re uniquely positioned to support parents and caregivers as their first and most important social and emotional  teacher and supporter. Webinar participants will explore ways to support parents with what they need to nurture the mental health and wellbeing of their children. 

This is related to the IECMH Endorsement competencies: "Provide information and assistance to parents and/or caregivers to help them understand their role in the social and emotional development of infants/young children; Understand what they can do to promote health, language, and cognitive development in infancy and early childhood; Find pleasure in caring for infants/young children."