Early Childhood Mental Health Coalitions
We like to think that our sons and daughters, nieces and nephews, grandchildren—even the little kid next door with the permanently runny nose and a penchant for mischief—all will grow up happy, healthy and well-adjusted. But studies show that if the social and emotional needs of young children are unmet, even at their tender age, they are at risk for a whole host of troubles, including poor school performance, emotional and behavioral problems, and juvenile delinquency.
Thanks to a generous grant from the PrimeWest Community Health Reinvestment Grant Program, WCI is establishing early childhood mental health coalitions in Douglas, Grant, Stevens and Traverse
counties. It’s part of an Early Childhood Initiative mental health component (ECIMHC) based on the Minnesota Thrive Initiative that WCI hopes to expand throughout the nine-county region.
WCI’s vision is to create and strengthen local systems or networks of services that support the healthy social and emotional development of young children, ages birth to five, and their families.
Currently, WCI is completing interviews with parents, city officials, care providers, educators, social service workers and other concerned citizens to assess the strengths and needs of each county.
In addition, each county is assembling ECIMHC action teams that will strengthen families with young children by implementing community-driven programs and services that promote the healthy social and emotional well-being of our youngest and most vulnerable population. The coalitions will align their action plans by coming together regularly as a regional learning community.
Learn more about early childhood mental health.
Need more information? Contact Nancy Jost, WCI early childhood coordinator at 800 735-2239.
Print Page
