Increasing Capacity to Address the Unmet Mental Health Needs of Colo Children: Project SUCCEED (Supporting Colorado Children's Early Emotional Dev)
Project Description:
Mental health problems in young children (0-8) are often unrecognized or misunderstood and therefore go untreated. This is true for children who are typically developing as well as for children with developmental disabilities. Our project aims to address this critically important public health issue by offering training to a diverse group of individuals in Colorado who touch the lives of young children-professionals, paraprofessionals, first responders, parents, and other family members alike. Training will focus on recognizing mental health challenges experienced by young children who are typically developing or have developmental disabilities, learning effective ways to respond to tantrums, meltdowns, or other challenging or aggressive behaviors, understanding when a referral to a mental health professional may be warranted, and knowing how to connect with referral resources in the state. To reach as wide and diverse a population in communities across the state, particularly those that have traditionally been underserved, training will be offered virtually (through ECHO™). We plan to adapt the Colorado Foundations curriculum offered by the Colorado Association for Infant Mental Health (CoAIMH) with content appropriate for young children (0-8) who are typically developing or diagnosed with ASD/DD. Colorado already has a statewide infrastructure in place to respond to potential increases in referrals that could result from greater public awareness related to these trainings through the master's level ECMH consultants in the Community Mental Health Centers and Early Childhood Councils around the state. Trainings will be offered to a diverse group of individuals in Colorado who touch the lives of young children-professionals, paraprofessionals, first responders, parents, and other family members alike.
Keyword(s):
mental health, ECHO, early childhood
Core Function(s):
Developing & Disseminating Information, Continuing Education/Community Training
Area of Emphasis
Health-Related Activities
Target Audience:
Community Trainees / Short term trainees, Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
None
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
State
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
