A Focus on Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health

December 2022
Winter Indoor Play
This newsletter focuses on sharing information on infant/early childhood mental health and
the importance of relationship-based approaches and supports that help infants and young children feel safe, supported, and valued by the adults around them. The newsletter, and the Infant Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (IECMHC) program, is made possible by a partnership between the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) and the Pennsylvania Key.
Adults know the importance of outdoor play to allow children time and space to release energy, explore nature, and interact with each other cooperatively. However, we also know weather and other circumstances (such as available space) can change our plans. Generally, if the wind chill is 32 degrees Fahrenheit and above, it is safe to play outside. Providers can also reference the Child Care Weather Watch chart below to help determine if it is safe to play outside.

Whether the temperature is too cold, or your outdoor space is snow-covered, children still need opportunities to get physical! This issue will explore different ways to keep children active throughout the cold winter months. Hopefully, you’ll find something new to try this season!
I Am Moving, I Am Learning – Active Play Every Day! Online Course | Better Kid Care: This lesson explores the importance of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) to promote healthy habits in children. Research indicates that 25% of children do not get MVPA during their regular day. For happier, healthier, and stronger children, plus to maintain healthy body weight, discover ways to encourage children to get moving, and be physically active. This lesson reflects the goals and practices of the I Am Moving, I Am Learning (IMIL) approach. (2 hours)
As teachers, you are probably spending more time indoors due to winter weather and it can be a challenge to incorporate physical activities and movement into your everyday regimen. Why not face the challenge? Seize the opportunity, be creative and have some fun focusing on physical activities indoors.
 
Moving Our Bodies | Sesame Street in Communities: Children love to move—anywhere, anytime! Physical activity is great for growing bodies and minds. Being active together helps channel kids’ natural energy and keeps them healthy and strong.
 
Lots of Active Play |Better Kid Care: Taking children outside to run, jump, and climb is great, but children can safely have active time indoors too. Try some of these ideas for active indoor play.

Wiggling, Giggling , and Moving from Head to Toe: Books to Encourage Exercise | NAEYC: Children love books and children love to move. Some books describe movements within the story that serve as an inspiration. Others contain a rhyme or refrain that is fun to move to. Get some examples to get you started.
Children delight in exploring their world through their senses. Sensory play - play that stimulates any of a child’s senses - builds cognitive skills and influences how children learn about their world.
 
The Importance of Sensory Play | Community Playthings: A consultant favorite! Sensory exploration happens naturally during outdoor play, so what happens when kids spend more time indoors?
 
The Importance of Sand and Water Play | NAEYC: Learn why sand and water are not only the most popular areas of the classroom, but also essential to the classroom for higher-level learning.  
 
Designing Messy Play for Infants and Toddlers | ECLKC: Children are naturally curious, and messy. Play engages their senses at a developmental level that is appropriate for them. They learn foundational cognitive principles as they exercise motor, language, and social skills. Messy play offers one of the best integrated learning experiences young children can have.
With the generous support of the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) the Pennsylvania Key IECMH Consultation team was able to add staff member, Lauren Walter, to support School Age Child Care (SACC) programs participating in Keystone STARS.  This service will be primarily tele-consultation support. Click here to request support.  
 
Behavior Strategy: How to Use Brain Breaks in the Classroom | Understood: In the classroom, brain breaks are quick, structured breaks using physical movement, mindfulness exercises, or sensory activities.  They give your students a brief rest from what they’re doing to help their brains shift focus and return ready to work and learn.
 
Recess in the rain... and snow... and... | Playworks: Planning tips and great games to play indoors so that children stary active and have fun playing regardless of the weather conditions.
 
Winter Virtual Field Trips for Kids | The Educators' Spin On It: Explore iconic winter scenes and experience of snow-covered mountains, sledding, ice castles, evergreen trees, and more with this ultimate collection of Winter virtual field trips for kids. Where will you take your first trip this winter?
Winter weather can impact the ability for outdoor play. Families can provide opportunities for indoor activities to keep children entertained and active while supporting early learning and development.

How to keep kids active in winter | Children's Health: Fun exercises to keep kids moving all season long.

Active Play, Every Day at Home | ECLKC 1:03: A short video resource for families supporting physical activity in the home.

Playdough Power | NAEYC: Playdough encourages children’s language and literacy, science and math skills – all at the same time!
IECMH Consultation helps adults strengthen their relationships with young children and build capacity to respond to children’s social-emotional needs. IECMHC can help reduce caregiver stress, as well as increase caregivers’ reflective practice skills.
 
IECMH Consultants are available by appointment to provide IECMHC Virtual Office Hours consultation via telephone or video conference. IECMHC Virtual Office Hours is a short-term, collaborative, problem-solving conversation to help you find next steps for: Child Social-Emotional Concerns | Child Behavioral or Developmental Concerns Emotional Well-being of Teachers and Caregivers | Partnering with Families.
 
Appointments are held on the first and third Fridays of the month, or other days/times by request. Get more info.
The Pennsylvania Key has streamlined the process for Keystone STARS programs to request Infant Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (IECMHC). Child care providers can request services by using the Request for Service Form (PDF). Completed forms can be submitted via email PAIECMH@pakeys.org or faxed to 717-213-3749.
 
Programs and families can contact the program leadership directly at PAIECMH@pakeys.org with questions or concerns.
Share your feedback! We'd like to hear what you think about infant early childhood mental health. Are there resources you'd like to see? Questions you have? Tell us! Send your feedback to PAIECMH@pakeys.org.