Infant Toddler Mental Health Project
• Are you a caregiver of infants and/or toddlers?
• Do you have staff that cares for infants & toddlers?
• Are you dealing with stress, burnout, or struggling with staff turnover in your child care program?
• Would you or your staff like additional strategies to assist with challenging behaviors?
The work of an Infant Toddler Mental Health Consultant is to help providers and staff to:
• Create a positive learning environment which is emotionally safe and responsive.
• Develop and implement plans designed for an individual program to promote child growth.
• Reduce staff stress.
Our Mental Health Consultant works closely with providers to execute a plan created for them.
Weekly meetings and support are provided as needed. This service is offered by the
Community Child Care Clearinghouse of Niagara free of charge!
For more information regarding the Infant Toddler Mental Health Consultation project, contact:
Jameelah Masaed • 716-285-8572 ext. 120 • jmasaed@niagaracap.org
Do you have?
● A disgruntled parent?
● A screaming child?
● A curriculum which isn’t working for you?
● Are staff members exasperated with behavior management?
If you would like help with these issues in your day care, contact:
• Kelly Janese 716-285-8572 ext. 104 (Ages 6 weeks up to 3 yrs)
• If it is an older child, please contact Erin Crump 716-285-8572 ext. 115
This service is offered by the Community Child Care Clearinghouse of Niagara free of charge!
What’s included in our services:
- Observations
- Trainings
- Assessments
- Quality Improvement Plan
- Other technical support
Check out this video about how children are better at reading on paper than on screens!
Nurturing Self-Awareness: Meeting Emotional Needs in Children Ages 0-5
Carl Jung “The self is our life’s goal. For it is the completest expression of that fateful combination we call individuality.”
Connection to the self leads to a greater sense of harmony within oneself and with the world as a whole.
Zero to Five is the most important years of a child’s life. Children’s brains develop connections faster in the first 5 years than at any other time in their lives. This is the time when the foundations for understanding self-awareness, love, and happiness should be learned.
This early stage of development is marked by emotional thinking, where children express their feelings and needs primarily through emotions. When a child’s needs are unfulfilled, they may become triggered, reacting based on their learned responses. These responses are shaped by their interactions with caregivers and their environment, highlighting the importance of nurturing, consistent, and supportive relationships. By understanding and addressing these emotional needs, caregivers can help children build a strong foundation for emotional regulation and healthy social interactions in later stages of life.
The Crucial Role of Meeting Children’s Emotional Needs
Children should always feel included because inclusion fosters a sense of belonging and security, which are fundamental to meeting their emotional needs. When children feel included, they are more likely to develop positive self-esteem and confidence, as they learn to value themselves and life experiences. Inclusion also encourages the development of empathy, and respect for others.
When children feel accepted and important, they develop a positive self-image and confidence in their abilities. This helps them to approach new situations and challenges with a sense of security and readiness to learn.
Acceptance from caregivers and loved ones creates a safe and nurturing environment. This emotional security allows children to express themselves freely, explore their surroundings, and form healthy relationships. Knowing they are accepted and valued helps children develop resilience. They learn that they are loved and supported, even when they make mistakes or face difficulties, which helps them to bounce back from challenges and develop coping strategies.
Try the games in the links below with your infants and toddlers!
Games to Play with Babies and Toddlers 1
Games to Play with Babies and Toddlers 2
Games to Play with Babies and Toddlers 3
Games to Play with Babies and Toddlers 4
Games to Play with Babies and Toddlers 5
For the complete NYS Child Care Resource & Referral Agency Membership Directory, click here.