We understand healthy development begins with emotional well-being. That’s why our mental health services are an essential part of how we care for the children, families, and staff in our Head Start and Early Head Start program. We believe every child deserves the chance to thrive—not just academically, but socially and emotionally, too.
Nurturing Children’s Mental Health
For young children, mental health is the foundation for learning. Our classrooms are designed to be nurturing, inclusive environments where children feel safe, supported, and understood. Through daily routines, predictable structure, and developmentally appropriate guidance, we help children build confidence, manage big feelings, and form positive relationships with others.
Our mental health team regularly visit centers to observe classrooms, provide feedback to teachers, and offer one-on-one support for children showing signs of stress, trauma, or developmental concerns. These early interventions are critical to school readiness and long-term success.
We also equip our teachers with tools and training to foster emotional literacy in the classroom. From social-emotional learning activities to calming corners and mindfulness strategies, our approach centers on empathy, connection, and care.
Partnering with Families
In partnership with families, our staff helps identify potential behavioral or developmental concerns early on and works collaboratively to create individualized strategies that nurture emotional growth. We provide culturally responsive guidance, screen all children for mental health and social-emotional development within 45 days of enrollment, and connect families to community-based mental health providers when additional support is needed. At our centers, children benefit from a range of supports—including one-on-one time with mental health consultants, access to calming spaces, and classroom-based social-emotional learning—all designed to help them build resilience, self-regulation, and a strong foundation for lifelong well-being.
Child Inc also partners with families to ensure children receive the emotional and behavioral support they need both at home and in our early childhood development centers. They collaborate with parents and caregivers to address concerns, share insights, and develop individualized strategies that nurture each child’s well-being. When additional services are needed, our team provides referrals to trusted community resources, including counseling and family support programs.
Supporting Our Staff
Caring for children requires emotional strength, and we recognize the importance of supporting our teachers and staff, too. Mental health at Child Inc includes the well-being of our team. We promote a workplace culture that values self-care, encourages open dialogue about stress and burnout, and provides access to resources for emotional support.
Staff also benefit from regular professional development on topics such as trauma-informed practices, de-escalation techniques, and how to support children with challenging behaviors. Because when we invest in the well-being of our team, we’re investing in better outcomes for every child and family we serve.
Because Every Child Deserves a Strong Start
Mental health matters at every age—and at Child Inc, it’s woven into everything we do. By supporting the emotional well-being of children, families, and staff, we’re helping build a brighter, stronger community where every child has the foundation to grow, learn, and shine.
