At ZERO TO THREE, infant and early childhood mental health is at the heart of our mission. Babies are not just observers but active participants in their own development. Once we realize that babies and toddlers have the potential for a vibrant emotional life, we can address other critical issues concerning them.
Infant and early childhood mental health (IECMH) is the growing ability of infants and young children to form secure, close relationships, experience and express a wide range of emotions and engage with their surroundings. Research shows that more than 10% of young children in the United States face mental health challenges, like post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety.
Some young children and families face risks to their well-being, and in certain cases, mental health or developmental disorders can emerge even in the earliest months and years of life. The mental health and well-being of parents and caregivers play a vital role in shaping the well-being of infants and young children. By identifying, addressing, and supporting challenges early, we can better nurture each child’s unique potential for growth and development.
Our mission is to help families build strong foundations and support them during challenges so babies and toddlers have the foundation for lifelong mental and emotional well-being.
Every health care and education policy matter that we advocate for and support is linked to baby and toddler mental health. As part of our initiatives aimed at supporting infant mental health, we:
Source: Think Babies. (2022). Infant and early childhood mental health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2022, June 3). Data and statistics on children’s mental health.
By promoting the social and emotional health of infants and young children, we have the potential to positively impact the trajectory of a child’s life.
Kerrie is just one of our IECMH Leadership Award winners leading transformational work in IECMH policy, practice and research.
To help professionals, policymakers, advocates and families better understand infant and early childhood mental health, we’ve created IECMH Guiding Principles.
Here are more resources we offer:
You can support our programs by donating or becoming an advocate for policies that prioritize infant and early childhood mental health.
