How Children Respond to Stress and Trauma
This resource helps families and Head Start staff understand the effects of stress and trauma, so children can get the support and care they need to cope.
Mental Health
Head Start programs support the mental health of children, families, and staff every day. Early childhood mental health is the same as social and emotional well-being. It is a child’s developing capacity to express and regulate emotions, form trusting relationships, explore, and learn—all in the cultural context of family and community. The mental health of children and the adults that care for them is essential for school readiness.
Talking to Children About Parental Substance Use
This Sesame Street in Communities webinar shares resources and strategies Head Start programs and staff can use to support children and families affected by addiction, in big and small ways.
Supporting Children Facing Trauma
Supporting children who are facing trauma is a major part of the Head Start Heals campaign. Knowing the signs, symptoms, and supports for children who have experienced trauma fosters healing and resiliency.
Examining the Effects of Toxic Stress and Trauma on the Mental Health of Young Children
This webinar from the Office of Head Start discusses trauma and toxic stress and their effects on the mental health of young children.
Head Start Heals Campaign
The Head Start Heals campaign increases awareness about how Head Start programs are uniquely qualified to address trauma and promote resilience in young children and families. Explore resources to support this work.
Understanding Trauma in an Early Childhood Context
Watch this webinar to explore what trauma is and recognize its signs and symptoms in young children. Discover strategies to promote resilience in children and the adults who care for them.
Trauma and Resilience
Explore this collection of resources to learn how trauma affects young children and find strategies to reduce its effects in children and adults.
Understanding Stress and Resilience in Young Children
Ongoing research continues to show us how adversity and toxic stress in early childhood can have a negative impact throughout a person's life. These videos are designed to help them understand what toxic stress is, what it does to a person, and easy things to do to help prevent it.
Breaking Through: Understanding Stress and Resilience in Young Children
View this 20-minute educational video to learn how toxic stress can impact a child’s lifelong health and well-being.
Understanding Stress and Resilience in Young Children: Head Start Staff
This video appeals to Head Start staff and health care professionals. It is designed to help them understand what toxic stress is, what it does to a person, and easy things to do to help prevent it.