As Mental Health Awareness Month took center stage this May, Childcare Resources of Indian River aims at fostering mental wellness among children and families as their Wellness and Early Intervention Program continues to grow. Recognizing the importance of ensuring the wellness of the entire family unit, Childcare Resources has significantly increased focus on supporting families in the areas of mental health and behavioral support.
The addition of an on-site Early Childhood Mental Health Therapist and an on-site Early Childhood Mental Health and Behavioral Coach provides program students at Childcare Resources with therapeutic support for issues such as separation anxiety, panic attacks, aggression, and emotional outbursts.
Mental Health and Behavioral Coach Jessica Halpin, is driven by making a meaningful difference in the lives of children. “I am dedicated to providing individualized support and implementing evidence-based interventions to help children develop essential skills and work through behavioral barriers,” she says. “I strive to create a safe and nurturing environment where they feel supported and empowered to learn and grow.”
Since 2023, Childcare Resources’ Wellness and Early Intervention Program has logged over one thousand hours of mental health therapeutic intervention through play therapy, art and sand therapy, in-classroom behavioral modeling, as well as parenting support with a home visiting component.
Additionally, Childcare Resources provides an on-staff Case Manager and Family Services Specialist that is available to all program families offering a vast array of support in such areas as housing, higher education assistance, referrals for legal concerns, parenting support, and much more.
Tracey Griffis, Director of Wellness and Early Intervention, touches on how important it is to bring as many available resources as possible to families to ensure that they have the support they need to be successful. “Next month we will host Mental Health Association and Tykes & Teens, along with our own Mental Health Therapist and Behavioral Coach, to increase awareness of local resources that are available to our families.”
Through funding from the Indian River Hospital District Trustees, Childcare Resources was able to obtain the Florida Association of Infant Mental Health (FAIMH) Endorsement for all of its teachers, making Childcare Resources the only school in the state of Florida to do so.
The FAIMH endorsement identifies best practice competencies and uses a nationally recognized set of competencies to help guide professional growth for those who serve infants and young children. “We are extremely proud of this achievement,” says Griffis. “Childcare Resources continues to be deeply committed to nurturing the mental wellness of our community’s youngest members.”