Mental Health Services

Child with teacher

We strive to assist children, families and staff in order to promote resiliency through healthy emotional growth in all aspects of their lives.

To enhance awareness and understanding of mental wellness,  we build collaborative relationships among children, families, staff, mental health professionals, and the community. Mental health information and services can increase the resilience capacity of all children and families.

Our mental health support staff consists of a Consultant Developmental Pediatrician, a consultant Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and seven Intervention Specialists, providing a variety of services that include assessment and early intervention, case management, classroom coaching, parent workshops and community advocacy.

Children’s Mental Health

Everyday classroom routines and activities promote mental health. SETA Head Start implements The Teaching Pyramid approach which provides a systematic framework that promotes social and emotional development, provides support for children’s appropriate behavior, prevents challenging behavior, and addresses problematic behavior. Teaching Pyramid is based on evidence-based practice originally developed by the Center on the Social Emotional Foundations in Early Learning (CSEFEL), authorized by California Department of Education (CDE), and aligned with California’s Early Learning and Development System.

Classroom strategies include visual schedules, emotional literacy, expectations and problem solving solution kits. Positive descriptive acknowledgement is used to focus on children’s strengths. This is done in the context of building positive relationships and supportive environments.

SETA Head Start has a comprehensive Disaster Preparedness Plan. Each center’s plan is custom designed, a “Disaster Plan-Quick Reference” binder is accessible in the classroom, and disaster bins with recommended disaster food and supplies are available in case of disaster. Each staff member has received training on what to do in the event of a disaster, and first aid training. Community based organizations have entered into agreements to provide a temporary staging site for each center for reunification of parents with their children if off-site evacuation occurs. An overview of the plan is provided to parents at enrollment.

Behavior screening is completed within the first 45 days of each child’s enrollment into the SETA Head Start program using the ASQ-SE. (Ages & Stages Social Emotional). Use of standardized screening and assessment tools, child observations and parent and teacher interviews are employed in the assessment process.

Each center based classroom as well as each Home Based Home Visitor is partnered with an Intervention Specialist. They observe classrooms within their region to determine any triggers that can be causing behaviors as well as provide strategies to assist in managing behaviors. Intervention Specialists model strategies that support developmental needs; including integration of IEP and IFSP goals. They provide coaching in all classrooms in their region, even if there are no children with referrals in that classroom. As the facilitator of the Positive Behavior Support Plans, they work in partnership with parents at the Child Success Team Meetings. The home based intervention team observes the children in their home environment and connects families to community resources and services.

Parent & Caregiver’s Mental Health

Effective parenting happens with right information, commitment and support. SETA Head Start offers a variety of group and individual opportunities to parents.

 Mental Health Support Staff provide a variety of workshops that relate to effective parenting. Popular topics include positive discipline techniques and promoting self-esteem in children.

Information materials and workshops on depression, domestic violence awareness and prevention, pervasive developmental disorders and other topics that are of interest to parents are provided at our centers.

Program activities include parent workshops and distribution of informational materials such as bookmarks, posters and buttons that bear tips of how to promote child health and safety and positive ways to communicate with children.

This has become a favorite among parents. Fun and educational, parents get introduced to essential oils and how they can be used to make bath salts, lotion and environmental-friendly household cleaning products. Managing stress is taking special time to pamper ourselves and to discover use of natural products for health and beauty.

This special project started at one site but the scrapbook fever has quickly spread out! Facilitated by a Social Worker and Family Services Worker, the activity has a goal of providing families an opportunity to come together, bring family pictures and talk about relevant themes and life experiences. The end product is a memory album, and the expressive process is therapeutic to participants.

Support Group for Families with ADHD-diagnosed Children

Expanded copy: In the planning stage is this support group for some of our Head Start families whose children have been diagnosed as having ADHD. Updates will be posted at this site.

In the planning stage is this support group for some of our Head Start families whose children have been diagnosed as having ADHD. Updates will be posted at this site.

Mental Wellness Community Partnerships

We rely on our community partners to provide the mental health assessment and treatment services SETA Head Start cannot provide. Similarly, we have an advocacy role to make sure that the needs of our over 5,000 children are heard by professionals and programs in the community.

SETA Head Start and its delegate agencies are working closely with the Sacramento County Department of Health and Human Services Mental Health Division to facilitate access of mental health services provided to children who have Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program. Universal forms are employed in referring children to the therapeutic school programs. In addition, Head Start participates in the training offered by the County and case consultation groups facilitated by the psychologist in the 0-5 System of Care program.

We have a Head Start Health Services Advisory Committee that is comprised of professionals and community members. They provide guidance and advice on our program policies in health and safety, nutrition and mental health.

Our Community Partnership Advisory Committee is a group of community partners who provide family support services and economic development opportunities. By working closely with these groups, we can increase our capacity to help families enhance or sustain self-sufficiency.

We are open to Social Work and Psychology Interns who would like to experience working in addressing the social and emotional needs of young children and their families. In the past they have become involved in facilitating children’s groups, presenting workshops and case management.