Early Childhood Mental Health
Social and Emotional Child Development
Early Care,
lasting impact
Research tells us adverse childhood experiences can have an effect on brain development, and subsequently, how children process strong emotions. In the early learning setting, these effects can present themselves as behavior issues, which in turn, disrupt the entire classroom.
Did you know a child is 10 times more likely to be expelled in preschool than in any other grade, K-12? If children bounce from program to program, or even worse, cannot remain in a program at all, those critical early years of brain development can be lost, and make it hard – even impossible – for them to catch up to their peers.
Supporting Teachers
and Early Learning Programs
Futures First partners with early learning programs to promotes healthy social and emotional development and teach children resiliency and coping skills for managing stress . In addition to working directly with children, mental health professionals work with teachers to increase their ability to identify and support the needs of the children in their classroom.
Strengthening Early Education and Care
Through partnerships with community-based child care providers, we bring mental health support to the places where children learn and grow. We’re able to work alongside children, teachers, and parents to support social-emotional skill-building, and prevent challenging behaviors and preschool expulsion.
Supporting Parents
Parenting is no easy task. At times, it can be extremely challenging — causing anxiety, frustration, and stress. Whether you’re a new, first-time parent, or you’re dealing with an issue that has arisen as you progress as a parent.
Play Therapy
Through play, children learn to manage big feelings, communicate effectively, and build healthy relationships. They develop coping skills, self-control, and the social-emotional foundation they need to thrive in school, at home, and in their communities.
Cayden’s Story
When Lauren came to Futures First, her son Cayden’s moods were unpredictable, and she didn’t know how to support him. Through play therapy at Futures First, they discovered the root of his challenges and received the support he needed.