Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health

What is Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH)?

Social and emotional development, or infant and early childhood mental health (IECMH), refers to “the developing capacity of the child from birth to 5 years old to form close and secure adult and peer relationships; experience, manage and express a full range of emotions; and explore the environment and learn, all in the context of family, community, and culture."¹

Early childhood mental health is crucial because early experiences greatly impact brain development and lay the groundwork for future social, emotional and cognitive skills, as well as overall well-being.² 

Early relational health is foundational to infant and early childhood mental health. Early relational health is the state of emotional well-being that grows from positive emotional connections between young children and their parents/caregivers when they experience strong, positive and nurturing relationships with each other.³

Why is Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Important?

Early experiences shape a child's brain development and have a lasting impact on overall health and development. Why Early Childhood Matters describes how when brain development in infants and young children is fully supported, they are more likely to reach milestones needed for future individual and community success. These include:

• Third grade reading proficiency
• High school graduation and postsecondary education
• Gainful employment
• Lifetime physical and mental health and well-being
• Avoidance of substance use disorder and crime⁴

Infant and early childhood mental health supports the development of key social and emotional skills, like empathy, self-regulation and communication, which are vital for building healthy relationships and going through life. Neglecting early mental health can lead to various issues later in life, including problems with relationships, school and work.²

Key Factors in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health

These three key factors, addressed within DCFW programs, can help create a strong foundation for infant and early childhood mental health within families and communities: 

Secure Attachments in Nurturing Environments: Healthy, responsive relationships with parents and caregivers are essential for a child's mental and emotional well-being. Nurturing and supportive environments where children feel safe and loved are needed for their healthy development and learning. 

Universal Family Supports: Families can benefit from supports to enhance parent-child interactions, foster positive parenting practices and skills and promote secure attachment and trust. Family supports can reduce stress and improve caregiver mental health, increase confidence and self-efficacy and reduce risks of adverse experiences.

Evidence-Informed Screening, Management and Treatment: Trauma, neglect and biological and environmental factors play major roles in the mental health of infants and young children. Recognizing and addressing adverse experiences and mental health concerns early in children and their families can prevent and or reduce the chance that a young child will develop a mental health condition as an older child, later in adolescence or in adulthood. 

Addressing and supporting the mental health and wellbeing of infants and children can be achieved through bolstering the parent-child relationship, identifying and building strengths, nurturing social and coping skills and supporting emotion management skills as part of evidence-based treatment. This early support will strengthen families now and help secure healthy future generations.

How Does DCFW Support Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health?

DCFW programs support children’s health, wellness and behavioral well-being, adding to the positive early experiences that shape a child's brain development and have a lasting impact on their overall health and development. Several DCFW programs include services that address the social and emotional health of young children and families: 

• North Carolina Infant-Toddler Program (NC ITP) Early Intervention
• Home Visiting
• Triple P (Positive Parenting Program)
• Care Management of At-Risk Children (CMARC)
• Child Behavioral Health
• Child Health Care 

Spotlighted Programs and Initiatives 

• NC Child Treatment Program
• North Carolina Psychiatry Access Line (NC-PAL)
• Child First
• Early Childhood Action Plan
• NC Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Association (NCIMHA)
• Division of Child Development and Early Education Healthy Social Behaviors Project

Web Resources: Support for Young Children’s Social and Emotional Development 

• American Academy of Pediatrics: Early Relational Health Developmental Milestone Timeline
• Zero to Three: Child Development Resources for Families
• National Association for the Education of Young Children: Social and Emotional Development  
• Sesame Workshop: How to Talk to Kids About Tough Topics  
• American Academy of Pediatrics: Trauma Resources for Families
• National Child Traumatic Stress Network: Early Childhood Trauma 

References

1. Zero to Three
2. National Institute of Health
3. Nurturing Connection
4. NCDHHS

Contact

For more information contact Stacie Forrest at stacie.forrest@dhhs.nc.gov.