Provided by: Colorado Department of Early Childhood
(Denver, Colorado) — Governor Jared Polis declared compliance with child mental health awareness on Thursday, May 9th.
The declaration notes that 10 to 16 percent of young children and 20 percent of low-income children experience mental health conditions such as PTSD and anxiety.
Children who display behaviors that adults find difficult are removed from early care facilities at three times the rate of K-12 students. This can cause delays in emotional development, disrupt family stability, and leave children unprepared to start school.
“As we observe this year’s Child Mental Health Awareness Week, Governor Jared Polis recognizes that there continues to be a high level of need in promoting healthy social-emotional development and mental health for children. It is important to celebrate the progress we have made.” “We must remain steadfast in our commitment to providing an early childhood mental health system that is equitable, accessible, focused on prevention and early intervention, empowering families and communities, and free from stigma. not.”
The declaration also noted that 20 to 40 percent of early childhood education workers experience depression, which is higher than the general U.S. population. The mental health of caregivers impacts the well-being of babies and children.
The Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) offers a variety of evidence-based programs to support children from birth to age 5, including early childhood mental health counseling. This is a free program that provides early childhood professionals with the knowledge, skills, and resources to help. their well-being and the healthy social and emotional development of the children they care for.
“This annual event that prioritizes the mental health of children raises awareness that we all have mental health, including infants and young children,” said Dr. Lisa Roy, executive director of the Colorado Office of Early Childhood. “This is an important opportunity to improve our performance.” “Our evidence-based programs and services empower families and early childhood professionals across Colorado to ensure their own well-being and the healthy social-emotional development and mental health of the children they care for. These early experiences and relationships shape a child’s brain development. Build a strong foundation in safe, loving relationships. leads to improved health, learning, and lifelong well-being.”
Other programs offered by CDEC include “The Incredible Years,” a program that builds social and emotional skills in young children, “The Pyramid Model,” a professional development system for teachers, and home services to help families build skills. Examples include “Child First.” A strong relationship that heals young children and protects them from trauma and chronic stress.
For more information about these programs, please click on the link above or contact Lisa Schlueter, Early Childhood Mental Health Unit Manager, at lisa.schlueter@state.co.us.
