IL-04 community project funding - early childhood mental health services - gads hill center's early childhood mental health program serves 700 children from birth to 5 years old

The mental health clinicians provide screenings, classroom observations, and home visits focusing on social emotional learning, behavior, and mental wellness. If the clinicians determine that the children may have mental or behavioral health issues, developmental issues, and/or disabilities, they provide consultations and therapy for the children and parents/caregivers, as well as referrals to community organizations for specialized services. The neighborhoods served by the early childhood programs are located on chicago west and southwest sides. The residents of these neighborhoods are primarily black (42%) or latinx (47%) and are low- to moderate income (per capita income of $18,647 in these neighborhoods compared to $37,103 for all chicago residents). In addition, the neighborhoods served by gads hill center are disproportionately impacted by limited access to high-quality early childhood education program, low-performing schools, underinvestment in businesses, limited access to primary and mental health care, and gangs and street violence. The clinicians observe each classroom several times, focusing on children's behavior, listening skills, interactions with each other and with their teachers, and solitary play. The clinicians also visit the homes for families that are taking part in the home visiting program, as well as observing group socializations for these children. The clinicians provide workshops to parents/caregivers focusing on child development and strategies for supporting their children's development and wellness. In addition, the clinicians provide support for early childhood teachers and home visitors and trainings on child development, identifying mental and behavioral health issues, and providing trauma-informed classroom instruction. Key goals and objectives include: 100% of students will get routine assessments using the ages and stages questionnaire: social emotional -2 and a biopsychosocial assessment tool. 100% of students will receive regular classroom or home observations by mental health clinicians focusing on behavior, socialization and group play/activities, listening and learning skills, and developmental milestones. 100% of students will be referred for internal mental health support if the assessments and/or observations indicate a need for further support. 100% of students will be referred for external support by child development specialists if necessary.