The Colorado Early Childhood Mental Health Specialists is a free program that helps parents and caregivers create nurturing environments and relationships that support mental health and well-being.
The goal of the program is to help adults support children’s social-emotional development and to identify early in a child’s life any concerns that could lead to greater challenges in the future.
Benefits of the ECMH Specialists program:
- Fewer incidents of challenging behaviors
- Reduced stress for parents
- Improved school readiness for children
- Increased resiliency for children
- Stronger relationships between children and parents
Some children have a harder time than others managing their feelings. You may be concerned if your child has difficulty…
- Making friends and getting along with others
- Participating in and enjoying daily activities
- Managing “big” feelings that lead to behaviors like hitting, biting or withdrawal
- Getting easily mad or frustrated or feeling sad much of the time
- Adjusting to changes at home or in child care
The Early Childhood Mental Health (ECMH) Specialists program can help.
The ECMH Specialists program is a free and confidential resource that supports children’s social and emotional development age 0-8. ECMH Specialists are experts in early childhood development and mental health. They work with parents on-site at the child’s child care program or another convenient location.
The ECMH Specialists also make referrals for additional resources, including mental health counseling. ECMH Specialists can also provide support when a child is at risk of expulsion or disenrollment from a child care program.
To learn more about ECMH Specialists or to request a consultation, please contact:
The Office of Early Childhood at 303.866.5948 or 1.800.799.5876 and request to speak to the Early Childhood Mental Health Specialists Program Manager. You may also email Alison Hargarten at alison.hargarten@state.co.us.