Mental Health Awareness in Childcare Education - post

What Is Mental Health and Why Does It Matter in Childcare?

Mental health is how children think, feel, and act each day. It helps them make friends, solve problems, and cope with big feelings. Good mental health gives children a strong foundation for learning and growing. When childcare providers support children’s mental health, kids feel safe, confident, and ready to learn. #Childcare #MentalHealthAwareness

Mental health is just as important as physical health. When children feel scared, worried, sad, or overwhelmed over time, they may need help from a trusted adult. Childcare providers play a big role in noticing changes in behavior and offering care that supports children’s emotional well-being.

How Can You Recognize Mental Health Needs in Children?

Sometimes it is hard to know what a child is feeling. But there are some signs teachers can look for, including:

• Changes in eating or sleeping
• Frequent crying or irritability
• Trouble paying attention  
• Withdrawing from play or classmates
• Overreaction to small problems

Not all children show the same signs. But when a teacher notices a pattern that lasts for days or weeks, it may be a sign the child needs more support.

Being aware of these behaviors helps teachers respond with kindness and care. It also helps them know when to talk with families or other professionals.

What Can Teachers Do Every Day to Support Children’s Mental Health? 

Supporting mental health does not mean you need a degree in therapy. There are many simple, everyday ways to help children feel calm, secure, and understood.

Here are practical steps you can take:

Create a safe, predictable environment

• Use clear routines
• Give children warning before changes
• Offer quiet areas for calm time

Help children name and express feelings

• Teach words like “happy,” “sad,” “angry,” and “worried”
• Use books and puppets to talk about emotions
• Encourage “feeling check-ins” each day

Encourage social skills

• Model kind behavior
• Teach sharing and taking turns
• Guide children to solve problems with words

Celebrate success

• Notice even small achievements
• Praise effort, not just results

These steps help children feel understood and emotionally supported. When kids feel secure, they are more confident in learning and exploring.

What Training Can Help You Grow Your Skills?

Childcare professionals can learn more about mental health to better support children. The following courses from ChildCareEd are directly related to mental health and emotional development:

👉 Mental Health in Early Childhood — This course helps teachers understand how #stress, anxiety, and sadness appear in young children and what to do to support them.

👉 A Thoughtful Approach to Children’s Mental Health — This class shows common #stressors, how to reduce stress, and why early mental health matters for young children.

👉 Supporting School Age Development ONLINE — This training teaches strategies to support social and emotional growth in school-age children, including positive guidance.

These courses offer ideas you can put into practice right away and help you build confidence in supporting children’s emotional well-being.

What Resources Can Support Your Work? 

Childcare providers can also use helpful tools and guides to support mental health #awareness in their programs.

👉 Supporting Children’s Social-Emotional, Behavioral, and Mental Health (PDF Resource) — This resource offers research-based tips and information for supporting children’s mental health in early learning settings. 

• Related article

Using resources like this helps reinforce the ideas you learn in training and gives practical guidance you can use with children and families.

How Can You Support Families and Caregivers?

Families are the most important partners in children’s mental health. Teachers and childcare providers can help families by:

• Sharing observations with kindness
• Listening to what families know about their child
• Offering ideas for emotional support at home
• Directing families to professional help when needed

Always communicate in clear, simple language, especially when families are non-native English speakers. Use #examples and ask questions like, “How can we work together to help your child feel calm?”

Working with families builds trust and gives children consistent emotional support in both childcare and home environments.

What Can You Do When You See a Child Struggling?

If a child seems to have ongoing emotional challenges, take these steps:

1. Observe and record what you see
2. Talk with families in a #respectful, calm way
3. Adjust your classroom routines to support the child
4. Reach out to mental health professionals when needed

Not all children need a diagnosis, but many benefit from guidance when they have trouble with emotions or behavior. Be proactive and compassionate in your approach.

How Can You Take Care of Yourself Too?

Teachers who support children’s mental health also need to take care of their own well-being.

Try simple self-care strategies such as:

• Taking short breaks during the day
• Talking with fellow educators about challenges
• Practicing breathing or quiet time
• Asking for help from supervisors when you feel stressed

When teachers take care of themselves, they are better able to care for the children in their classroom.

Where Can You Find More Support Online?

Stay connected to ChildCareEd for more training, tips, and resources to help you support children’s mental health:

👉 Follow ChildCareEd on Facebook: For daily updates, free tips, and community support: 

Being part of a professional community helps you feel supported and keeps you inspired.

Final Thoughts

Supporting mental health in childcare education is about understanding, caring, and acting with intention. Children need adults who listen, teach emotional skills, and create calm, predictable environments. Teachers also benefit when they learn and practice tools that help both children and themselves thrive.

Supporting mental health is not a one-time action — it is part of everyday care and learning. With training, resources, family partnerships, and kindness, childcare providers can make a big difference in young children’s lives.