Mental health services in a northern Colorado Head Start program
Date
2007
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Abstract
Head Start is a federally funded program that aims to improve the school-readiness of students from low socioeconomic backgrounds. In addition to the educational curriculum, the program provides health resources for its students and their families, including psychological services. This study reviewed the characteristics of psychological services provided in a Head Start program located in northern Colorado. Findings of this study support the necessity of the Head Start mental health component and its direct contributions in providing psychological services to students and families. Results revealed consistency between parent and school staff reports regarding presenting problems and concerns. The most pronounced concerns from both school staff and the parents were problems with the parents' psychological well-being. Additionally, both school staff and the parents most frequently requested counseling services for their psychological and/or socio-emotional issues. Based on these findings, the author discusses various mental health roles assumed by the Head Start Mental Health Provider, including the role of a family-based treatment provider, a broker, collaborator, and a promoter.
Description
Rights Access
Subject
Colorado
Head Start
mental health services
preschool children
psychotherapy
early childhood education