The Problem 

Infant and early childhood mental health consultation (IECMHC) is an evidence-based intervention for supporting young children’s social-emotional development. It teams a mental health professional with early care and education professionals to improve children’s social, emotional and behavioral health. However, many child care providers may not have access to or may not know how to get the most out of a mental health consultant.  

The Problem: 

One of the many responsibilities child care providers juggle is helping children develop their social-emotional skills. But providers need tools to guide their efforts. 

One Solution:

Both parents and early care and education professionals can use the Tell Me a Story series to support children’s healthy social-emotional development. It includes guides to six children’s books with social-emotional themes. 

Each February, the American Dental Association sponsors National Children’s Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. Here are some tips for use year-round.

The Problem:

Children with poor oral health can experience a range of problems: difficulty concentrating due to tooth pain; health issues, such as infections; and impaired growth and development.

One Solution:

Four colorful and informative posters on oral health from the National Center on Early Childhood Health and Wellness (NCECHW).

Like many, I started providing child care as a means of supplementing family income while being able to stay home with my own children. I had previous experience in my teenage years as a steady date-night sitter and as a substitute at a center. I intended to be a provider for a few years.