About ECD
The Office of Early Childhood Development and the federal government are committed to advancing the integration of behavioral health in early childhood programs to support children and families.
What is Behavioral Health?
Behavioral health includes the promotion of mental health, resilience, and well-being; the prevention, early identification, and the treatment of mental illness and substance use disorders; and support for those who experience and/or are in recovery from these conditions, along with their families and communities.
In the context of early childhood, our primary focus is on promoting the healthy social and emotional development of young children (also referred to as early childhood mental health), as well as strategies to address social, emotional, and behavioral challenges that young children experience. Promoting early childhood mental health means supporting children as they learn to express and regulate emotions, form trusting relationships, and explore and learn - all within the context of their family, culture, and community.
An important goal of early childhood programs is to promote every child’s development (which includes cognitive, physical, linguistic, and social and emotional development). We know that young children’s development is strengthened when they are learning and growing in nurturing and responsive caregiving relationships and environments. Therefore, supporting the mental health of young children can also mean supporting the behavioral health and well-being of the adults who care for them (including the early childhood workforce and families).
When we think about the services and supports that are critical to ensuring the mental health and well-being of young children and their families, we often characterize these supports along a continuum that includes:
- Mental health promotion (activities that build positive mental health and well-being for all)
- Prevention and family strengthening (activities that support the well-being of children and families at increased risk for or showing early signs of behavioral health issues), and
- Treatment interventions (for children and adults experiencing behavioral health disorders, often delivered for caregivers and young children together when addressing early childhood mental health)
Resources to Support Early Childhood Mental Health and Social and Emotional Development
Parents and Caregivers
Caring for an infant or young child can sometimes feel overwhelming and parents may need extra help and support. Caregivers who are stressed, depressed, or socially isolated, for example, may find it more challenging to support and meet the needs of a growing child. The well-being of the adults who care for young children is critical: we need to attend not only to young children’s development, but also the behavioral health needs of their caregivers.
Resources Include:
- Crisis Line and Program Locators
- Information on Developmental and Social Emotional Screening
- Information about Children’s Mental Health
- Information about Mental Health and Trauma, Depression, and substance use disorders
Early Care and Education Administrators and Program Staff
ECD works across federal agencies, and with partners in states, tribes, territories, and local communities to address the needs of children and families in a comprehensive and coordinated way. Discover resources to support coordinated systems of care for early childhood mental health in states and territories.
Resources Include:
- Policy and Guidance
- Research and Issue Briefs
- State Innovations
Tribal Leaders and Programs
ACF and ECD work closely with Tribal nations and communities to identify obstacles to collaboration and systems improvements, and to help communities develop and carry out strategies that are in line with tribal values, traditions, and priorities. Discover targeted resources to support early childhood mental health in tribes and tribal communities.
Resources Include:
- Policy and Guidance
- Resources and Issue Briefs