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KAIMH Connections
Resources for Early Childhood Mental Health Advocates
Updates | September 2024
Highlights in this newsletter include information about the Benevolent Childhood Experience Scale, State of Mental Health in America report, upcoming professional development, separation anxiety and more!
The Benevolent Childhood Experiences Scale
The ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences scale) is 10-item self-reporting tool looks at the lasting effects of trauma in childhood into adulthood. Many professionals that work with young children and their families are familiar with this tool. However, in recent years more emphasis has been placed on the need to identify factors which might enhance resilience and shield young children from the potentially harmful effects of ACEs. The Benevolent Childhood Experiences scale (BCEs) is similar to the ACEs in that it is a 10-item selfâreport tool, which assesses favorable childhood experiences characterized by safety and security.
The BCEs identifies resilience items linked with better long-term adaptation, and can be used to inform service providers’ knowledge about individuals’ strengths in addition to challenges - and instilling hope in individuals and families experiencing stress. It is characterized by internal and external perceived safety, security, and support; and positive and predictable qualities of life.
Very little research, however, has documented links between positive early experiences in the early lives of pregnant people and their wellbeing during pregnancy. However, in one particular study that looked at pregnant individuals and BCEs scores it was found that positive childhood experiences predict less psychopathology and stress in pregnant women with childhood adversity. To read more about this study -
Mental Health America released their newest report on the state of mental health in America. Kansas ranks 41 in the nation for the prevalence of adults with 14 or more mentally unhealthy days per month who could not see a doctor due to cost. Frequent mental distress has been associated with mental health conditions, chronic illnesses, limitations in functioning, adverse health behaviors, and increased utilization of health services. If individuals experiencing frequent mental distress are unable to afford care, they are even more likely to develop chronic conditions, utilize high-end health care services, and experience increased morbidity and mortality. According to Kansas Action for Children, Kansas is behind 40 other states in expanding Medicaid (KanCare) which would help tens of thousands of Kansans access coverage.
Separation Anxiety in Toddlers
Separation anxiety is a common childhood experience and although it can be challenging for adults to manage, the good news is that it is indicative of a strong attachment to primary caregiver(s). We typically see the biggest surges between 8-10 months and again around 14-18 months, but it can continue into the preschool years. There are several approaches we can take to help children through this developmental period and games we can play to help grow their independence skills.
Role play: Pretend that a stuffed animal or toy animal's parent leaves the room and then returns. Or the parent can play as the one who is upset about leaving and let their child provide the comfort.
Peek-a-boo: To help young children learn object permanence. Hide and seek: Hide toys under blankets for the child to find.
Finger game to give children a playful and comforting visual.
Establish a comforting goodbye ritual, using the same words and gestures each time the adult leaves.
Giving the child a security item, like a stuffed animal or blanket, to take with them.
Practicing short separations and gradually increasing the length of time apart.
Congratulations to the Kansas professionals who are Endorsed in 2024! We could no be prouder of these professionals for their time and effort engaging in the IMH-Endorsement® process to demonstrate their experience and expertise in working with young children across a variety of roles. We hope you will join us in celebrating them this month!
For a look at our IMH-Endorsed® membership, click on the image below.
Want to join this list of professionals? If you work with families and children ages 3 and younger and have specialized mental health training and experience to work with our youngest Kansans and their families you can apply for IMH- Endorsement®!
An IMH-E® credential recognizes professionals who have attained a certain level of expertise working with or on behalf of children 0-3 and those that care for them. Take the first step! Learn more about the process and start your application here.
Crucial Brain Development Period for Impulse Control in Toddlers
In a study from the University of Bristol, using a child-friendly brain imaging technique called functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) researchers observed which brain areas were activated with inhibitory control. The study replicated a previous experiment with the same group of children when they were 10 months old.
Around 16 months, toddlers start engaging more regions of their brains to help them develop cognitive skills associated with following simple instructions and control impulses. Findings from the study suggest that as babies grow into toddlers, they continue to struggle to stop themselves from habitual action, but the brain activation associated with this skill changes dramatically. Even when their observable skills appear the same, they are using more areas of the brain than at 10 months of age, suggesting this is a critical period for growth in these skills. Click below to read more
Check out these upcoming professional development opportunities that support your Infant Mental Health Endorsement® from the Early Childhood Investigations Webinars, Kansas Child Care Training Opportunities, Kansas LEND, Kansas Children's Service League, and Child Care Aware network.
