Mental Health – General Statement

POLICY:

NOCAC Head Start will employ a system of child guidance and behavior management for all children and adults that are clear and consistent to promote the development of positive social skills, encourage mutual respect, strengthen self-esteem, and support a safe and secure environment.

PROCEDURES:

1. Mental health support will be provided to children, staff, and parents, as appropriate, through:
   1. Education about the importance of early childhood mental health
   2. Providing support for effective classroom management and positive learning environments, supportive teacher practices, and strategies for supporting children with challenging behaviors and other social, emotional, and mental health concerns
   3. Promoting children’s mental wellness by providing group and individual staff and parent education on mental health issues
   4. Securing mental health consultation services on a schedule of sufficient and consistent frequency to ensure a mental health consultant is available to partner with staff and families in a timely and effective manner
   5. Obtaining parental consent for mental health observation and consultation
   6. Building community partnerships to facilitate access to additional mental health resources and services, as needed

Forms and Additional Guidance: