Free Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health Workshops

Project Self-Sufficiency will be the site for a free series of workshops about infant and early childhood mental health sponsored by Montclair State University. Professionals who work with infants, young children and their families are invited to attend the free training sessions which are designed to promote awareness about the unique social and emotional development of young children, the importance of reflective caregiving and parenting towards building resilience, and the centrality of forming relationships and social connections. Upcoming sessions include Relationship-Based Practices, November 11th; How Culture Shapes Social & Emotional Development, November 18th; and Reflective Practices, Caring for Ourselves, December 2nd. All workshops take place at Project Self-Sufficiency, 127 Mill Street in Newton, from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

The series is funded by the New Jersey Department of Children & Families. The Department of Children & Families (DCF) recognizes that the key to promoting positive development in young children includes helping caregivers and parents understand the adverse effects of traumatic events on young children. Effective Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) education has been shown to improve maternal and child health, family functioning and stability, and child and family well-being; and prevent child neglect and abuse. With support from the Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge grant, DCF has allocated funding for IECMH professional education/training and coaching to build local staff knowledge and capacity, and implement evidence-based practices that support positive social-emotional well-being and address the mental health needs of infants/young children and their families. The goal is to assist children and their families to effectively cope with the stress of traumatic events (such as Superstorm Sandy), promote positive early childhood development, and buffer the negative impacts by strengthening families and building resilience.

Project Self-Sufficiency is located at 127 Mill Street in Newton. To find out more information, including how to register, visit http://www.montclair.edu/cehs/academics/centers-and-institutes/autism/iecmh-training-project/.