May 2025

Here's "The Scoop!"

TA Topics: We Appreciate You!

To all the early child care providers — thank you. Your patience, kindness, and dedication lay the foundation for a lifetime of learning and growth. You nurture more than just young minds; you nurture hearts, imaginations, and confidence. 

In every song you sing, every story you tell, and every tear you wipe away, you're making a lasting difference. The love and stability you offer during a child’s earliest years shape not only who they become but how they experience the world. 

Your work is often unseen, but it is never unnoticed. You are truly the unsung heroes of our communities. We are grateful to you today and every day.  

As an early child care educator, your compassionate presence can make a profound difference with the children in your care. You have the unique ability to meet some of their most essential emotional and developmental needs.  



In some cases, mental health or developmental disorders can emerge within the earliest months and years of life. The mental health of parents and caregivers is especially critical, as it significantly influences a child’s emotional and psychological development. 

By identifying and addressing concerns early, you can provide the support needed to foster healthy development and help each child realize their full potential. 

This TA Tip was graciously shared by Connie Davis,

Family Child Care Support Specialist

Child Care Aware of NH is here to assist you! To learn more about how we can support your practices, please refer to our Services and Supports Guide

Tips for Supporting Your Mental Health

1. Prioritize connections: Make time to connect with fellow educators. Peer support can be powerful.
2. Create micro-moments of calm: Build small mental health practices into your day. A minute of deep breathing, stepping outside for a few breaths of fresh air, or listening to a favorite song can reset your nervous system.
3. Set emotional boundaries: It's okay to care deeply and still set limits.
4. Access resources: Use the tools and services available to you, such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), mental health hotlines, or private therapy.
5. Celebrate small wins: Every diaper changed, tear comforted, or word encouraged is a meaningful moment. Don't underestimate the value of your daily impact.

Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) refers to the developing capacity of infants and young children to form secure relationships, experience and express a full range of emotions, and actively explore and engage with their environment. According to Zero to Three, research indicates that over 10% of young children in the United States experience mental health challenges, such as anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. 



Provider Resources

Click on the link below to see how the care you provide and the connections you make can affect the children in your care.  

Click on the link below for possible behaviors of concern and what to look for.  

Do you want to learn more about mental health awareness? Do you need support? The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has an informative page on mental health awareness with an array of resources for you and your family. Check it out!

 

Resources for Families

Healthy Children by the American Academy of Pediatrics: provides trusted, pediatrician-backed advice on infant sleep, separation anxiety, postpartum depression, and more.

Mental Health America - for Parents: features parenting mental health checklists, early warning signs of emotional distress in children, and caregiver burnout info.