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KAIMH Connections
Resources for Early Childhood Mental Health Advocates
Updates | August 2025
Highlights in this newsletter include dates for KAIMH Conference 2026, the power of self-talk, how green spaces impact child development, new endorsees, animal assisted therapy, professional development classes and more!
Congratulations to Our Newest Endorsees!
Rebecca Bruckner, IMH-E®
Rebecca says, ""I have worked as a childcare provider for 23 years, and obtaining my KAIHM endorsement is both an honor and a significant milestone in my career. I pursued this endorsement as part of my ongoing commitment to personal growth and a deeper understanding of child development. It represents my dedication to the families I serve and reaffirms my belief in supporting the whole child—emotionally, mentally, and physically. My passion for advocating mental health is also deeply personal. I have witnessed the effects of unaddressed mental health challenges within my own family and understand the importance of early support and open dialogue. I am proud to be part of a movement that prioritizes mental well-being from the very beginning of a child's life."
Sarah Kennington, IECHMH-E®
Sarah says, "I am honored to achieve both the Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Endorsements. I believe that children need to feel safe and loved, knowing they have a secure place to grow and learn. As the center director of The Growing Place, I am excited to be a part of KAIMH and the families in our care."
New Research on Parent-Child Interaction Therapy-Emotion Development (PCIT-ED)
Depression can develop in children as early as age 3, but a specialized therapeutic intervention can help preschool-aged children find relief. According to a new study led by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, the benefits may even last up to four years. In an18-week intervention developed by Joan Luby, MD, Professor of Psychiatry at WashU Medicine found the treatment to be effective in achieving long-term remission in a majority of children. Parent-Child Interaction Therapy-Emotion Development (PCIT-ED), which Luby developed and applied in this study, is the first and only psychotherapeutic intervention designed to treat depression in preschoolers that has been rigorously tested in a large-scale trial. To learn more about this intervention and study, click here.
KAIMH Conference 2026
Save the date! KAIMH Conference 2026 is scheduled for April 23-24 in Wichita. More news to follow soon!
Animal Assisted Therapy
Research shows that interacting with animals can lower cortisol levels, increase levels of feel-good hormones, and even improve cognitive function. Research even suggests that pets can be as beneficial for mental health as a spouse or regularly seeing friends and family. Pets offer numerous mental health benefits, from reducing stress and anxiety to providing companionship and a sense of purpose. Social workers sometimes use therapy dogs in schools to help children with reading difficulties, reduce anxiety, and improve social skills. Equine therapy is a common practice for eating disorders because horses can be used to help individuals develop body awareness, improve self-esteem, and build trust. Animal-assisted therapy is used with veterans managing PTSD(Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). Have you considered using animals in your work with families and children? To learn more about how to get started in using animal therapy, click the button below.
In a study at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign researchers looked at children over a five year span, merging satellite mapping with parent surveys to look at what green spaces people have outside their home and children’s access to these facilities before age two. Researchers tested how backyard features and family routines interact to build executive functions in early childhood. The goal was to investigate how those environmental factors shaped children’s cognitive abilities as well as the home environment. The team found that having trees, a sandbox, or outdoor storage space before age 2 was linked to stronger executive function by age four. Preschoolers raised on farms or with a porch to gather on were better at calming themselves when upset and delaying gratification at ages four and five. To read more about the study, click the button below.
One important self-care strategy is positive self-talk. By using an optimistic inner dialogue, we can better navigate challenges, maintain focus, and develop a stronger sense of self-belief which leads to overall life satisfaction and improved mental health. Positive self-talk helps to reframe challenges, manage stress and enhance problem-solving skills. Check out this Tedx Talk where Josh Green shares his story of resilience and the power of positive self-talk.
August-September 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.
