Get the latest information on New World screwworm

Access fact sheets, news and videos from Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service experts at our New World screwworm web page.

Circled letter "i" (for "information")

Infant Mental Health - What Is It and Why Is It Important

Type
Course
Date of Publication
July 7, 2021
Price
See Agrilife Learn

Overview

In this course, you will learn about infant mental health. We discuss key contributors and barriers in the infant mental health field, the role of early relationships for healthy brain development and self-regulation, infant stress signals, and why infant mental health matters in early childhood settings.

Course Information

In this online course, you will learn about the importance of infant mental health for young children's development.

We begin by defining infant mental health and highlighting three of the key contributors to the field of infant mental health. We discuss several barriers to recognition for the field of infant mental health and describe why implementing infant mental health into practice has been challenging.

We then provide an overview of the importance of early relationships for healthy brain development and emphasize the role of secure attachments and self-regulation for infant mental health.

Finally, we describe infant stress signals and discuss why an understanding of infant mental health is vitally important for early childhood caregivers.

Looking for solutions in your county? Contact your local extension experts

More choices in Aging & Caregiving

  • Course

    Each of us comes from a unique place in the world. No one else has shared the same experiences in the same way. These unique experiences and where we come from have an impact on how we teach and how we interact with our children. It is critical to be aware of how these experiences impact us. Awareness of its influence and ensuring we are providing opportunities for children to gain a positive sense of self and pro-social skill development is crucial.

    After completing this 2.5-hour course, the learner will be able to describe the importance of adults modeling prosocial behaviors, describe the importance of self-esteem and self-regulation, and explain the impact of our cultural identity on our actions and interactions.

  • Course

    One of the most challenging aspects of child care is deciding upon a style of discipline that is appropriate, effective, and in the best interest of each child. Students will learn about the strengths and weaknesses of various disciplinary styles and explore strategies for setting and enforcing healthy limits.

  • Course

    Abusive head trauma is the leading cause of death in cases of child abuse in the United States. This 2-hour course will help you better understand the dangers of abusive head trauma and how to take steps to protect the children in your care from this type of abuse.

  • Course

    Infants’ experiences early in life literally influence the physical structures of the brain, opening the way for patterns of thought and behavior for the rest of a child’s life. This 1-hour course addresses critical topics related to caring for the youngest and most vulnerable population of children, infants and toddlers.

  • Course

    Providing a broad overview of 4 main areas of child growth and development, this course offers practical tips on supporting children’s development. Key findings from brain research and its relevance to the care of young children is briefly explored, as well as the principles of Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP).

  • Course

    Infants and toddlers engage in challenging behaviors as a way of communicating that they have unmet needs. Enroll in this online course to learn how to recognize, understand, and develop responses to these types of behavior as well as working with a team to fully assess and address challenging infant and toddler behavior.