Understanding Early Childhood Mental Health: A Practical Guide for Professionals

by Susan J. Summers (Editor), Rachel Chazan-Cohen

Integrating infant mental health services into early education programs leads to better child outcomes and stronger parent–child relationships—the big question is how to do it appropriately and effectively. Clear answers are in this accessible textbook, created to prepare early childhood professionals and programs to weave best practices in mental health into their everyday work. Ideal for preservice university courses, in-service professional development, and program administrators, this introductory text combines the authoritative guidance of more than a dozen respected mental health and early childhood experts. Professionals will get a primer on infant mental health , strengthening their knowledge of key issues such as screening and assessment, attachment, emotional dysregulation and aggression, risk and resilience, maternal depression, and children's exposure to trauma. Then they'll get practical, research-based guidance they can use to work effectively with outside mental health consultants when child and family needs extend beyond the program's scope With this highly readable introduction to key mental health principles, the next generation of early childhood professionals will fully understand the latest research and best practice—so they can support optimal caregiver-child relationships, enhance professional collaboration, and strengthen child development.

Genres: Nonfiction

296 pages, Paperback

First published November 29, 2011

Reviews

[Randie D. Camp, M.S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read three chapters that focused on Childhood Trauma and Attachment. It is very informative and focuses on the application of research and theories but it reads like a textbook, not very engaging.