Background on Connected Beginnings
What is Birth to Five Mental Health?
Birth to five mental health is synonymous with healthy social and emotional development. Mental health is the developing capacity of children ages birth to five to experience, regulate, and express emotions; to form close and secure relationships; and to explore the environment and learn. All of development takes place in the context of family, community, and culture (Zero to Three, 2001).
The Research
Research affirms that very young children grow, learn, develop and thrive in close, dependable, nurturing relationships. Children suffer in the absence of such relationships and recover remarkably well when nurturing relationships are provided or restored. The social and emotional skills and competencies learned within these relationships are the foundation for a child’s success throughout life.
Research also suggests professionals promote positive outcomes in children when they are well-trained and receive ongoing mentoring. It is imperative that those working with very young children, their families and their caregivers draw on specialized knowledge of social and emotional development, the influence of caregivers, the dynamics of relationships, and the role of culture in shaping parenting practices and community supports. Furthermore, professionals are most effective when they listen, observe, and reflect on their own beliefs and values.
“Substantial new investments should be made to address the nation’s seriously inadequate capacity for addressing young children’s mental health needs. Expanded opportunities for professional training, as recently called for by the Surgeon General, and incentives for individuals with pertinent expertise to work in settings with young children are essential first steps toward more effective screening, early detection, treatment, and ultimate prevention of serious childhood mental health problems.” (Recommendation 3, from Neurons to Neighborhoods: The Science of Early Childhood Development by Jack Shonkoff and Deborah Phillips, editors, National Academy Press, 2000.)
