Gizmo’s Pawesome Guide to Mental Health – Early Childhood Introduction is designed for early childhood educators and home visitors to introduce children ages 3-5 to mental health concepts and teach them to take care of their feelings, thoughts, and actions. It was adapted from the Gizmo curriculum for school-age children to help young children understand their emotions, learn activities they can use to support their own well-being, and know how to identify and talk with trusted adults if they are struggling. It also teaches caregivers, professionals, and other adults about early childhood mental health, and the important role that adults play in supporting young children’s emotional wellbeing.
The following materials for the program can be downloaded below and printed for use.
- An activity book with information for caregivers, curriculum delivered in story form, and fun activities for young children. Parents and caregivers can also use the activity book with their child on their own.
- An implementation guide for teachers and home visitors with suggested approaches to delivery, activities, and family engagement
- Editable Templates for letters and activities to aid implementation
- Information for caregivers and trusted adults of young children
This Early Childhood Introduction was developed by the Child Health and Development Institute in partnership with the CT Office of Early Childhood. Funding was provided by OEC through the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Preventing Adverse Childhood Experiences Grant.