In quotes: investing in early childhood mental health

Mental health is a big deal, even for our littlest residents.

We’re awarding over $4 million in grants to help early educators and care providers identify kids struggling with their mental health and support families finding help. pic.twitter.com/pZwGuPwweu

— Governor Maura Healey (@MassGovernor) September 6, 2023

“The Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children… landed a nearly $1 million grant as part of the Healey-Driscoll administration’s Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation grants.

“In all, the state poured $4.1 million into the program, spread across six organizations that ‘serve early-education programs by training providers and improving program processes to promote the developmental, social-emotional, and behavioral wellbeing of infants and young children in their care.’ The society secured $953,221.”

“ ‘Our administration is continuing to help break down the stigma behind seeking treatment while ensuring that Massachusetts residents know how they can access the health care and support they deserve — no matter how small,’ [Governor Maura] Healey said. ‘These grants will provide early-education and care programs with the tools and resources needed to help educators identify kids struggling and support families in accessing help.’ ”

— “Local Organization Lands $1 Million to Aid Early Childhood Mental Health,” by Charlie McKenna, Itemlive.com, September 20, 2023