Item 3- Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health (IEC) Program presentation from Austin Child Guidance Center — original pdf

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IEC Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health Program Austin Child Guidance Center Presented by: Tameka Thompson, LPC & Elisha Gandhi, LCSW Purpose of IEC • Our project was created to decrease expulsion rates of young children, birth to 5 years of age • Reduce the rate of mental health concerns for children as they get older​ (Early childhood is the best time to intervene and affect outcomes) • Build awareness of how early intervention can positively impact a child’s social/emotional growth • To embrace the "whole child"- an approach that focuses on mental, social and emotional readiness IEC model • IEC is a unique model that empowers the teachers and staff with the skills and tools to support every child they encounter in their center • IEC supports and encourages center staff and parents to bridge the gaps in communication • IEC also supports individual families who are experiencing unique struggles IEC Foundation Principles Facilitate connection/communication among directors, administrators, teachers and parents to support young children Recognizing the context of family, culture and community Decreasing expulsion and suspension in child-care Reduce the rate of mental health concerns as children get older Impact of IEC • • • • • • • • • Improves social, emotional and behavioral well-being for children and their families Reduces school suspension and expulsion among young children Reduces challenging behaviors in young children Reduces teacher's stress Improves teacher-child relationship Builds communication among staff/director Builds communication among staff/caregivers Link children and their families with resources in the community Children ability to experience, express and regulate their emotions Team Effort Observation of classrooms Teacher consultation Teacher trainings Parent workshops Individual consultation Individual referals Support for the directors Feedback for IEC Over 85%, feel the training has enhance their effectiveness. The trainers are relatable and knowledgeable Digging down to the definition of trauma was interesting Informative training Feel more comfortable talking with parents Enjoy the strategies provided I feel this is a team effort Love seeing the growth in my classroom Importance of Early Childhood Development • Early childhood development provides building blocks for strong social emotional skills • It's essential for centers to have a space for educational achievements to thrive and the confidence to face any challenge • We use a multi-level prevention and intervention strategies to build confidence, vital for increasing childhood development This Photo by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND. Vision • Continue to build relationships in the community, with the parents and staff of the centers we serve to bridge the gap between seeking and receiving services for our young children.