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KAIMH Connections
Resources for Early Childhood Mental Health Advocates
Updates | July 2025
Highlights in this newsletter include information about Spanish Endorsement, new endorsees, Sesame Workshop resources, mindfulness activities, upcoming professional development, and more!
July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness
July was designated as Minority Mental Health Awareness Month to bring awareness to the unique struggles that minority groups face regard to mental illness. Mental health conditions do not discriminate based on race, color, gender or identity. This month highlights the need for culturally responsive mental health services and addresses disparities in treatment access. Key focus areas include:
Racial and ethnic minorities: Recognizing the specific mental health challenges faced by these groups. Stigma reduction: Promoting open dialogue and challenging stereotypes surrounding mental illness. Access to care: Addressing barriers like lack of insurance, language, and cultural relevance in treatment. Culturally responsive services: Emphasizing the importance of mental health care that is sensitive to cultural values and traditions. Community support: Fostering a sense of belonging and solidarity within minority communities. Holistic approaches: Integrating cultural and historical knowledge, spirituality, and traditional healing practices.
Ways to get involved:
Educate yourself and learn about the unique mental health challenges faced by minority communities.
Promote open dialogue and talk about mental health and challenge stigma surrounding mental illness.
Support culturally relevant services by advocating for mental health resources that are tailored to specific cultural needs.
Support community initiatives that promote mental health and well-being.
Congratulations to Our Newest Endorsees!
Andrea Sorrels, IMH-E®
Andrea says, "Earning my KAIMH Infant Family Specialist Endorsement is important because it demonstrates my commitment to promoting the social-emotional well-being of infants, toddlers, and their families. It validates my knowledge and skills in infant mental health, enhances my professional credibility, and supports my ongoing growth as an advocate and resource for families during critical early developmental years."
Shelby Bruckerhoff, IECHMH-E®
Shelby says, "I am very honored to achieve both the Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Endorsements. Children need to feel safe and secure in order to learn. Mental health is the cornerstone of their ability to accomplish that. I will continue to strive to create an environment where my students can feel loved and accepted so that they can achieve all of their goals."
New! Early Childhood Endorsement Now Available
KAIMH is excited to announce the expansion of our Endorsement program to now include Early Childhood (ages 3–5)!
The Early Childhood Endorsement follows the same categories and requirements as the Infant Endorsement. This addition allows professionals working with children ages 3–5 to pursue recognition for their specialized knowledge and experience in early childhood mental health.
We’re proud to continue supporting professionals across the full early childhood continuum!
EASy is Now Available in Spanish!
We’re excited to announce that our online Endorsement System (EASy) is now available in Spanish!
To access EASy in Spanish, you can:
Change your language preference in your profile settings, or
Use the direct link available on the EASy homepage.
We’re committed to making our systems more accessible for everyone. Visit the EASy homepage to get started: 🔗https://kaimh.myeasy.org/
If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
¡EASy ahora está disponible en español!
Nos complace anunciar que nuestro sistema en línea de endosos (EASy) ahora está disponible en español.
Para acceder a EASy en español, puedes:
Cambiar tu preferencia de idioma en la configuración de tu perfil, o
Usar el enlace directo disponible en la página principal de EASy.
Estamos comprometidos a hacer que nuestros sistemas sean más accesibles para todos. Visita la página principal de EASy para comenzar: 🔗https://kaimh.myeasy.org/
Si tienes alguna pregunta o necesitas ayuda, no dudes en comunicarte con nosotros.
Doomscrolling
Social media is a tool that people are learning to manage in their lives. It is designed as a way for us to connect with others, from those we often see in person to others that we would be disconnected from without this tool. But more often than not, social media can leave people feeling disconnected or insecure about their lives as well as isolated, ashamed or anxious. Even if there are no triggering posts, it is common for people to feel "off" after spending too much time “doomscrolling” on social media. Research shows this is a common experience. There is evidence it can have a negative impact on conscientiousness, extraversion and mental wellbeing while increasing psychological distress and neuroticism.
Ways to manage and counter the negative effects include:
Moving your phone
Setting time limits
Curating your feeds
Awareness of your mental state
Slowing your scroll
Focusing on the now
Practicing gratitude
Moving your body
Asking for help
Sesame Workshop
Did you know that Sesame Street has a full library of resources that address mental health in young children? Check out these helpful topics for ideas on supporting children's mental health growth, executive functioning and more!
Practicing mindfulness with young children involves making it engaging, simple, and fun! The skill of mindfulness will build their resiliency through techniques like focused breathing, sensory focus, and mindful movement. This practice can help children develop self-awareness and emotional regulation skills. Below are ideas on how you can introduce this skill.
Balloon Breath: Imagine a balloon above your head. Inhale, filling the balloon with air, and exhale slowly, deflating the balloon. Sensory Awareness: Fill a bin with sand, water or another "scoopable" material. Focus on one sense at a time: what do you see, hear, smell, and feel?
Mindful Eating: Savor each bite of a snack, noticing its texture, taste, and smell.
Mindful Movement:Use yoga poses designed for children to improve flexibility, balance, and focus.
Mindful Walking: Pay attention to each step, noticing the ground beneath your feet and the surrounding environment.
Guided Meditation: Body Scan: Guide children to notice sensations in different parts of their body, starting from their toes and moving upwards.
Safe Place Visualization: Help children imagine a calm and safe place, using their senses to make it vivid.
Tips for Engaging Children: Keep it short, simple and fun! It is normal for minds to wander, so be patient and supportive as you gently bring their focus back. Be sure to practice alongside them - it will benefit you and children learn by observing adults. Connect the mindful activity to emotions to help children understand how mindfulness can help them manage big feelings.
Glitter Jar: Create a glitter jar and watch the glitter settle, representing the mind settling. Check out the video below!
July-August Professional Development
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.
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