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KAIMH Connections
Resources for Early Childhood Mental Health Advocates
Updates | February 2026
Read below for KAIMH Conference 2026 information, resesarch on noise pollution and the developing brain, our newest Endorsee, reflective supervision groups, professional development and more!
The Effects of Environmental Noise on Children
Environmental noise can have harmful effects on children's learning, behavior and sleep.Compared to adults, children may be more vulnerable to noise effects because of their growing and developing brain.
Some of the ways environmental noise can affect children includes:
Reduced learning in too-noisy classrooms.
Shorter attention spans while playing when the TV is left on.
Research shows that even low levels of nighttime environmental noise causes more body movements, awakenings and other sleep disturbances.
Too much noise can cause their bodies to have a stress response.
To learn more check out this video from healthychildren.org:
Early Bird Registration is Open!
Become a member of KAIMH and save $50 off your conference registration. KAIMH Conference Pricing is $325 for both days, including meals, snacks and evening entertainment! KAIMH Members receive a discounted registration of $275. Save an additional $25 with Early Bird Pricing until March 1, 2026. Click here to register.
Interested in applying for a scholarship?If you are a professional working in a licensed child care facility, KCCTO (Kansas Child Care Training Opportunities) has limited funding for scholarships to cover registration and travel fees for state conference training. Apply here.
KAIMH has limited conference scholarships funded through the Preschool Development Grant to cover registration fees. To apply click here.
KAIMH is thrilled to host Nicki Patton-Rowe this year as she offers a two-part presentation on Resilience: Building Children’s Capacity to Bend Without Breaking. Day one session, "Rooted in Brain Architecture" explores what resilience is, how it develops, and why it depends on the integration of the emotional and thinking systems of the brain.What makes some children bounce back from adversity while others fall apart? Resilience isn’t a personality trait—it’s a brain-based capacity built over time through experience and relationships. In this powerful and practical keynote, you’ll explore how the developing brain—especially the emotional and thinking systems—lays the foundation for resilience. Discover why self-regulation and executive function matter, how stress shapes behavior, and why co-regulation is essential. Whether you’re in the classroom, clinic, or home, this session will deepen your understanding of resilience from the inside out.
Day two session, "Shaped by Experiences and Built Through Relationships" focuses on practical, evidence-based strategies that strengthen self-regulation, executive function, and co-regulation—the key building blocks of resilience. Resilience doesn’t grow on its own—it’s shaped by what children experience and who they experience it with. In this dynamic session, we move from the “what” to the “how,” exploring the everyday interactions and environments that build a child’s capacity to bounce back and bend without breaking. Discover how self-regulation, executive function, and co-regulation grow through relationships, routines, and responsive teaching. If you care for children, you’re already shaping resilience—this session shows you how to do it with intention.
As a bonus, Nicki will also present a breakout session titled, "Just Breathe: Using Belly Breathing to Calm Big Feelings and Bring Young Brains Back Online." When big feelings take over, little brains go offline. Stressed, anxious, or upset children can’t access the part of the brain they need to learn, problem-solve, or even listen. That’s where belly breathing comes in—a simple, powerful tool that helps young children calm their nervous systems, re-engage the thinking brain, and return to learning. This interactive session explores the science behind the stress response and how intentional breathing rewires the brain for resilience.
Needing KAIMH Conference hotel accomodations? Wichita has many options available for different budgets. Click on the button below for a short list.
Megan says, "Receiving my Infant Mental Health Endorsement had been a goal of mine for 2025, and I'm proud to say I have achieved that! Having this endorsement was very important to me, as I strive daily to try to be better and always improve for the families I serve. I now feel extra confident in providing my families relationship-based, reflective, and responsive care. I can't wait to continue sharing what I know, and to learn more from others in the field."
Reflective Consultation Group Openings
KAIMH is excited to announce an opportunity to submit an application to participate in one year of reflective consultation through virtual group meetings. Learn how to use reflective practice in your work to reduce stress and improve relationships. Want more? We are also accepting applications from individuals interested in participating in a reflective consultation group who also want additional training and support in providing reflective supervision/consultation in their work. To apply for either option, click the button below.
Save the date for the 2026 Regional Care Conferences. Connecting families with young children, early childhood care providers, and mental health professionals to support young children’s care and wellness. These events bring communities together to foster family-driven connections and help professionals to learn, share, and collaborate across Kansas. Join us on May 6 in Wichita (South Central Region), May 7 in Salina (North Central Region), or June 26 in Kansas City (Northeast Region). More information and registration link will be released soon!
Postpartum Support International Kansas Chapter
The PSI Kansas Chapter offers many helpful resources for families and professionals including a directory to find qualified perinatal mental health professionals in your area, a call or text hotline, training, online support groups, peer mentor programs and Perinatal Mental Health Certification. They also offer scholarships for PSI perinatal mental health trainings and conferences. Check out their website or email for more info at psikschapter@gmail.com
Director of Kansas Office of Early Childhood Announced
Christi Smith, Executive Director of Child Care Aware of Kansas, has been appointed the first director for the Kansas Office of Early Childhood. The office is expected to launch on July 1, 2026. Between now and then, leaders say staff will focus on:
Strategic planning to improve resource efficiency
Internal organization and staffing
Communication systems for families and providers
Collaboration across early childhood programs
According to Governor Kelly, parents will have a single point of contact for childcare assistance, early education programs, and family support services. The change aims to eliminate confusion caused by navigating multiple state agencies.
February-March 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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