"Children, and sometimes even toddlers, can experience depression. The clinical term is called pediatric depression, and around 3% of children aged 3-17 years old experience it. Sometimes it can be hard to know the difference between normal childhood feelings and symptoms of pediatric depression. However, when we learn about the different ways sadness and depression affect children, we can avoid perpetuating the common myths." Visit the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) for their helpful 7 Myths About Pediatric Depression article.

NAMI HelpLine: a free, nationwide peer-support service providing information, resource referrals and support to people living with a mental health condition,

Whether it’s your own journey you are focusing on or looking to support others, taking action can lead you towards a happier life. Check out the Action for Happiness monthly calendars here. Accessible options and multiple languages are available. Sign up to have each month sent to you directly on the main page.

"The mission of Action for Happiness is to help people create a happier world, with a culture that prioritises happiness and kindness. We do this by helping people get together regularly (face-to-face where possible) to learn evidence-based skills for happier living, feel a sense of belonging and commit to personal action to create more happiness, both for themselves and others."

Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) Consultation is a free resources that supports children’s social-emotional development from birth through age 5 within early learning programs participating in Keystone STARS. View the Early Childhood Mental Health (ECMH) Matters Handouts that covers various topics. For example, Basic Needs Determine Behavior (PDF), Motivating the Desire To Learn (PDF), and Meaning of Behavior (PDF).

This quick reference guide provides child care directors, teachers, and caregivers with essential information on managing emotional and behavioral issues in group care settings. Topics cover social-emotional development, biting, napping difficulties, post-traumatic stress disorder, gender development, self-stimulation behaviors, and more. In addition to behavioral issues commonly seen in small children, epigenetics, medications, toxic stress, adverse childhood experiences, and how to help children who have undergone traumatic experiences are touched on by the editors.

The book contains 25 quick reference sheets on topics such as ADHD, ASD, depression, tantrums, and separation anxiety. In addition, sample daily report forms, medication forms, and other informative documents to support working with young children are also included in this comprehensive guide. Case studies are also presented on various difficult situations with small children in a classroom setting and discuss how these situations might be handled.

To order this book at the AAP bookstore:

Managing Behavioral Issues in Child Care and Schools [Paperback]

Managing Behavioral Issues in Child Care and Schools [eBook]

Managing Behavioral Issues in Child Care and Schools Paperback and eBook Package

Publication Date: May 1, 2020

Access managing emotions, stress reduction, sleep, mindfulness, and coping with loss resources in this Emotional Wellness Toolkit from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Supporting staff mental health, reducing stress, and promoting healthy routines not only strengthens your team, but it also directly enhances the quality-of-care children receive. Review this collection of Head Start resources on staff wellness, mental health, physical health, and immunization. Go through these tools with your team and explore small, sustainable practices that support a healthier, more resilient workforce.

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP.org): While there is no single cause for suicide, there are risk factors and warning signs which may increase likelihood of an attempt. Learning them can save lives.

"Good mental health allows children to think clearly, develop socially and learn new skills. Additionally, good friends and encouraging words from adults are all important for helping children develop self confidence, high self-esteem, and a healthy emotional outlook on life." Mental Health America explains What Every Child Needs for Good Mental Health.