Compatible Principles

Compatible Principles

ABC blocks

The CECMHC shares compatible principles with Head Start and Early Head Start. The principles below guide the work of the Center.

  • The mental health of young children is intimately and inextricably linked to the well-being of their caregivers (i.e., parents, guardians, teachers, and other Head Start staff).
  • Efforts to promote positive mental health and well-being in children, staff and caregivers should be given equal weight with efforts to reduce problem behaviors and/or social-emotional distress.
  • Culture plays a central role in shaping young children’s social-emotional and behavioral development, influencing parenting behaviors and understanding mental health.
  • Building the skills and knowledge of mental health consultants in Head Start programs will result in more effective consultation and better outcomes.
  • Strong administrative support for the importance of mental health promotion, prevention and intervention will allow effective practices to be adopted and sustained in Head Start.
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This product was developed [in part] under grant number 1H79SM082070-01 from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The views, policies and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of SAMHSA or HHS.