Presenter Information

Emily Kurland, Duquesne University - Psychology Department

Abstract

School-based mental health consultation recognizes and understands the importance of children’s emotional and behavioral needs in conjunction with educator/caregiver competencies. In early childhood classrooms, mental health consultation utilizes a problem-solving approach, creating collaborative relationships with educators to build their skills and expertise (Duran et al., 2009). Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (ECMHC) works to maximize the social-emotional skills of all children while minimizing the vulnerabilities of children experiencing behavioral difficulties (Low & Shepard, 2010). As emotional and behavioral challenges are increasing in early childhood settings, it is evident that mental health consultation is becoming increasingly necessary and beneficial (Green, Everheart, Gordon, & Gettman, 2006). With the ongoing nature of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, concerns regarding the mental health of children are continuing to increase. As transitions to in-person learning are beginning, the need for mental health consultation services will continue to increase. The following information will examine recommendations for consultants in addressing mental and behavioral health and social-emotional learning for the return to in-person schooling.

School

McAnulty College and Graduate School of Liberal Arts; School of Education

Advisor

Dr. Kara McGoey, Ph.D. and Heather Roesinger, MS.Ed.

Submission Type

Paper

Publication Date

April 2021

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Apr 12th, 12:00 AM

Assessing the needs for early childhood mental health consultation upon return to school after COVID-19

School-based mental health consultation recognizes and understands the importance of children’s emotional and behavioral needs in conjunction with educator/caregiver competencies. In early childhood classrooms, mental health consultation utilizes a problem-solving approach, creating collaborative relationships with educators to build their skills and expertise (Duran et al., 2009). Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (ECMHC) works to maximize the social-emotional skills of all children while minimizing the vulnerabilities of children experiencing behavioral difficulties (Low & Shepard, 2010). As emotional and behavioral challenges are increasing in early childhood settings, it is evident that mental health consultation is becoming increasingly necessary and beneficial (Green, Everheart, Gordon, & Gettman, 2006). With the ongoing nature of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, concerns regarding the mental health of children are continuing to increase. As transitions to in-person learning are beginning, the need for mental health consultation services will continue to increase. The following information will examine recommendations for consultants in addressing mental and behavioral health and social-emotional learning for the return to in-person schooling.

 

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