Early Explorers Head Start and Early Head Start take an active role in supporting the emotional and social wellness of enrolled families and children. The primary purpose of the Mental Health component is to help families recognize their strengths and utilize community services to improve their wellness. There are a number of services available to the families. Some of these include:
  1. An emotional wellness screening is completed by each enrolled family. The Ages and Stages Social Emotional Screening is an important tool for families and staff to recognize and discuss strengths and identify possible areas of concern.

  2. Counseling services are available to all enrolled families at their request. Referrals to appropriate agencies, as well as the program Mental Health Coordinator are available. For more information, contact your local staff or Kim Berdahl, LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor), at kimberdahl@srt.com . You can also contact Kim directly at 701-537-5409.

    All referrals are held in the strictest of confidence.
    (Head Start is a last source dollar for these services)

  3. A monthly Family Wellness Newsletter is available to all Head Start and Early Head Start families. This emotional wellness curriculum focuses on issues of importance to families and young children.

  4. Social Emotional activities are included in the Early Explorers Head Start curriculum. Studies have shown that social emotional development is critical to a child's success in school. Social Emotional wellness impacts the child's ability to interact with others and feel good about themselves. Issues addressed through classroom and home visit activities include: managing emotions, identifying feelings, self-esteem activities and a number of fun and interative activities to help the child deal with feelings.

  5. Early Explorers Early Head Start focuses more on the relationship between the child and parent. Activities to increase autonomy and the opportunity to explore environment are addressed and encouraged.

For more information regarding Early Explorer Mental Health Services contact the local Lead, Generalist or Family Development Coordinator in your service area. Teachers and Home Visitors are wonderful resources and can refer families to meet their current needs.
 

Screenings

Counseling
- Family Relations Screening  
   

Social/Emotional Activities

Infant/Toddler Mental Health
   

Referrals

Family Wellness Newsletters
   
   
   

 

 

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