That is, we must support them in their abilities to feel good about themselves, to develop relationships, to manage daily stress, and to solve problems. Our Head Start classroom activities promote good mental health. The daily activities encourage feelings of success, respect for individual differences, and the abilities to get along with others and make friends. Children with good mental health are able to handle the challenges and frustrations that are a part of the learning process. The mental health of the family affects the child's well being.
Families are an important part of our mental health program.
Opportunities to participate include parent conferences, social events, parenting workshops, volunteering at the center or on field trips, Parent Committee meetings and Policy Council meetings. Many children have witnessed or experienced first hand violence, crime, a family member's drug or alcohol addiction, abuse, neglect, or homelessness. We work with families to help them learn how to provide a supportive, nurturing environment for children, and work with children helping them to learn appropriate ways of expressing themselves and coping with their circumstances. When needed we assist families in obtaining counseling. In many cases, this counseling can be done at the Head Start Center.