Even as we work to increase our own knowledge of how to support social-emotional development in our program, we can also help families support healthy development at home.

To educate families, there are handouts based on a child’s age, that include developmentally appropriate tips, ideas and activities.

• 0-8 months (PDF)
• 9-18 months (PDF)
• 19-36 months (PDF)
• 3-5 years (PDF)
• 5-8 years (PDF)

Introducing the Materials

These materials are meant to be a conversation starter. They are not meant to be left in your lobby or given to parents without an introduction.

Parents may have concerns about their child’s behavior. You can start the conversation – and introduce the materials – by recognizing that it’s completely normal to have these concerns and many parents do.

Make sure parents understand that by increasing our support of a child’s social-emotional development, we can make a positive difference in their mental health, behavior and overall well-being.

Give parents a copy of the appropriate handout (based on the age of their child) and walk them through it. Point out how each handout includes age-specific tips and ideas for parents to try at home.

Make sure you tell parents that there are resources in our community to support families if there is a behavioral or mental health concern and that they should reach out if they are worried.

Use these targeted messages to share with audiences for a greater understanding of the importance of social-emotional health and supports for young children.

• Parents and Caregivers
• Professional Providers
• Policymakers and Influences
• Metaphors That Increase Understanding

• Infant-Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) on the Pennsylvania Key
• Mental Health Matters Fact Sheet
• PA Taskforce on Child Protection
• ZERO TO THREE
• Center on the Social Emotional Foundations for Early Learning
• Technical Assistance Center on Social Emotional Interventions
• Pennsylvania Association for Infant Mental Health
• Center for Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation