Young children will likely process the tumultuous events of 2020 in the only way they know how—through play. Here’s how adults can be supportive.
As the world confronts the novel coronavirus pandemic, an economic depression, and global protests about racism and systemic inequalities, children are being exposed to painful and often scary ideas—and their play will reflect their efforts to make sense of what they see and hear.
This article by Emily Kaplan on Edutopia, June 1, 2020, offers a useful guide for helping adults interact with young children
A THREE-PART WEBINAR SERIES: AN INTRODUCTION TO INFANT/EARLY CHILDHOOD MENTAL HEALTH CONCEPTS AND PRACTICES
The New York City Training and Technical Assistance Center (TTAC) hosted this three-part webinar series presented by Susan Chinitz, PsyD and Gil Foley, EdD, IMH-E.
MODULE 1 focused on:
-Principles of development and how they shape practice
-Infant/early childhood mental health concepts and practice
The Module 1 recording, presentation slides, and additional information can be accessed here.
MODULE 2 focused on:
-“Climbing the Developmental Ladder”: Capacities for emotional & social functioning
-Risks to children’s healthy social-emotional development, including the impact of child disability and regulatory disorders
The Module 2 recording, presentation slides, and additional information can be accessed here.
MODULE 3 focused on:
-Risks to children’s healthy social-emotional development including those that emerge from parents’ histories and children’s social contexts
-Screening, assessment and differential diagnosis
The Module 3 recording, presentation slides, and additional information can be accessed here.
Webinar: Supporting Families and Caregivers of Infants and Young Children Affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic
The New York City Training and Technical Assistance Center (TTAC) hosted a webinar titled Supporting Families and Caregivers of Infants and Young Children Affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic presented by Gerard Costa, Ph.D. & Joy D. Osofsky, Ph.D.
In this webinar, Drs. Joy Osofsky and Gerard Costa addressed the impact of the changes in our world and personal lives brought about by COVID-19. Special attention was given to the ways in which infants, toddlers, and preschoolers are affected when their usual routines are disrupted and their ability to manage stress and stay regulated are compromised. These changes were described through developmental and relationship-based perspectives, highlighting the critical importance of establishing new routines to support co-regulating, attuned, and responsive relationships.
Insights from the brain sciences were described to better understand the ways in which infants, children, and adults may react around the fearful climate of COVID-19. Strategies for speaking with, supporting, and playing with infants and young children were presented. Importantly, the need for self-care of the adults in the lives of the children was addressed.
The recording, presentation slides, and additional information can be accessed here.