Mindfulness in Head Start Settings
Mindfulness in Head Start Settings is a course available on the Individualized Professional Development Portfolio that offers mindfulness strategies for adults and children.
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.
Adult Recess
Practice your adult regulation skills and have some fun playing! Follow along as the Adult Recess videos guide you through a warm up, interactive game, and closing reflection.
You Make the Difference: Posters
These posters provide tips for staff on how to reduce stress and make the workplace a great place to be.
Taking Care of Yourself
Taking care of yourself is important for responding well to a child’s challenging behavior.
Promoting Staff Well-being
Explore these resource collections to learn about strategies to promote physical and mental health for staff in Head Start programs.
Mindful Moments: Flexibility Leads to Excellent Mobility (Flex-M)
Flex-M stands for: Flexibility Leads to Excellent Mobility. Use these stretches in team meetings, during a break, at your desk, or in your classroom to improve flexibility and mobility.
Mindful Moments: S.O.F.T.
Discover the S.O.F.T. relaxation strategy. S.O.F.T. stands for: soften the face; open the heart; float down the shoulders; and take a deep breath. Find three S.O.F.T. strategies to use for a brief relaxation break.
Mindful Moments: Hand Exercises
Use these five different finger and hand stretches at your desk or in your classroom for a quick relaxation boost.
Mindful Moments: Chair Stretches
Use these five stretches while working at your desk, in a classroom, or share them at a team meeting.
Managing Stress with Mindful Moments
Explore how breathing and movement exercises can help you manage stress. Discover ways to use mindful movements to contribute to your self-care practices.