A Focus on Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health

March 2024

Indoor Activities

This newsletter focuses on sharing information on infant/early childhood mental health and

the importance of relationship-based approaches and supports that help infants and young children feel safe, supported, and valued by the adults around them. The newsletter, and the Infant Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (IECMHC) program, is made possible by a partnership between the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) and the Pennsylvania Key.

Welcome

The weather in Pennsylvania is often unpredictable! Finding ways to keep busy when not able to go outside can be difficult. This edition of the Bright Start newsletter shares ideas of how to keep minds and bodies active no matter the weather!  

Coming soon: In April, we will take a deep dive into the senses and how behavior can be affected by sensory processing.

DEIB

Building an Inclusive Environment in Early Childhood Classrooms. Even when children have access to learning materials, they may not participate in typical classroom activities in the same way. It is important to think about how you engage with children and the strengths and needs of each child. While reading this newsletter, consider how you might adapt the activity ideas so every child can be an active participant.

Practical Ideas to Keep Kids Busy Indoors

Better Kid Care: 101+ Ways to Keep Kids Busy. Wonderful ideas of things you can plan and do to help the children you care for grow and develop.

News You Can Use: Take It Inside. Bringing natural materials inside can enhance young children’s exploration and learning. Here are some ideas to get you started.

19 Indoor Activities to Support Development in your Young Child. Support healthy brain development and fend off winter boredom with these indoor activities for infants through early school aged children.

Sensory Play

Sensory Activities. Sensory play is so important for all kids – all ages and all ability levels. Start your journey here.

40 Sensory Break Ideas for Kids. A sensory break or “brain break” is a fancy work from seated learning activities or sedentary activities. Sensory input helps the body to stay alert, on task and focused.

100 of the Best Non-Food Sensory Table Material Ideas. Here is a list of non-food ideas for your sensory bin or table. Some of these materials may not be appropriate for kids under 3.

The 5 Basic Human Senses. From Bright Start. Bright Kids. Bright Future. The 5 Basic Human Senses infographic which shares information on how children' nervous system scans for information and determines which sensations are important for self-organization and for acting on the environments.

Gross Motor Play

We Have the Moves! Physical Activity Resources/Sesame Street. Inside this resource, child care providers will find fun-filled activities to help incorporate physical activity into everyday moments. 

5 Indoor Gross Motor Activities. Beat the indoor blues with these indoor gross motor activities with common household items. 

29 Indoor Gross Motor Activities for Children. Fun indoor gross motor ideas for toddlers, preschoolers and school-aged children that support the development of and improve gross motor skills.

School Age Zone

Rocking indoor recess in the gym…or classroom…or cafeteria… Tips and ideas for an engaging, fun, and physically active recess no matter the weather conditions.

10 Sensory Path Ideas for your School - to Help Students to Take a Brain Break, Get Wiggles Out, and Regulate. A sensory path is a series of guided movements, shown by visuals on the ground or walls, that provide children with an opportunity to take a quick brain break from their regular classroom activities.

Family Focus

What is sensory play and why is it important? Sensory play is any activity that stimulates the senses – touch, sight, hearing, smell and taste. Here are some activities to try at home.

Sensory Activities for School Age Kids. Sensory play is a powerful strategy for helping with self-regulation. Find ideas for in the home here. The possibilities are endless!

Gross Motor Skills and Activities for Home. Gross motor skills are larger movement activities such as running, crawling, jumping and more! Check out the 50 screen-free activities that support physical play for at home.

Office Hours

IECMH Consultation helps adults strengthen their relationships with young children and build capacity to respond to children’s social-emotional needs. IECMHC can help reduce caregiver stress, as well as increase caregivers’ reflective practice skills.

IECMH Consultants are available by appointment to provide IECMHC Virtual Office Hours consultation via telephone or video conference. IECMHC Virtual Office Hours is a short-term, collaborative, problem-solving conversation to help you find next steps for: Child Social-Emotional Concerns | Child Behavioral or Developmental Concerns Emotional Well-being of Teachers and Caregivers | Partnering with Families.

Appointments are held on the first and third Fridays of the month, or other days/times by request. Get more info.

Accessing IECMHC Services

The Pennsylvania Key has streamlined the process for Keystone STARS programs to request Infant Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (IECMHC). Child care providers can request services by using the Request for Service Form (PDF). Completed forms can be submitted via email PAIECMH@pakeys.org or faxed to 717-213-3749.

Programs and families can contact the program leadership directly at PAIECMH@pakeys.org with questions or concerns.

Accessing SACCMHC Services

With the generous support of the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) the Pennsylvania Key IECMH Consultation team has expanded to include four mental Health consultants to support School Age Child Care (SACC) programs participating in Keystone STARS.  This service will be primarily tele-consultation support. Click here to request support.  

Share your feedback! We'd like to hear what you think about infant early childhood mental health.

Are there resources you'd like to see? Questions you have? Tell us! Send your feedback to PAIECMH@pakeys.org.