Episode 30 - Children's Mental Health Week
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This episode of the Decal Download Podcast focuses on Children's Mental Health Week in Georgia, celebrated annually from May 4th to 8th. Hosts Reg Griffin and Scott Slate welcome Laura Lucas, Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Director at DECAL, along with special guests Jennifer McMichael and Jill Myers, who share insights into infant and early childhood mental health consultation. The episode highlights the importance of early social-emotional development, the role of mental health consultants in child care settings, and real-life success stories like Benjamin, a child who overcame behavioral challenges through coordinated support from caregivers, consultants, and family. The discussion emphasizes the power of early intervention, trauma awareness, and building strong systems of care. A new theme for 2026, 'Take a Pause with Cali,' introduces grounding techniques for both adults and children to manage big emotions. The episode also outlines DECAL’s expanded mental health toolkit, virtual puppet shows, and upcoming kickoff event with the Georgia Association for Infant Mental Health. Listeners are encouraged to participate in the week’s activities and access resources to support child and caregiver well-being.
Children's Mental Health Week (May 4–8) is a critical time to promote early social-emotional development and reduce stigma around mental health.
Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) consultation helps providers, families, and children navigate behavioral challenges through collaboration and early intervention.
Grounding techniques like 'Pause with Cali' (P-A-W-S) help adults and children regulate emotions and stay present during stressful moments.
Support systems involving families, consultants, and community partners are essential for successful outcomes and reducing child expulsion or suspension.
Investing in mental health consultation improves teacher retention, parent satisfaction, and kindergarten readiness.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Introduction to Children's Mental Health Week
The hosts introduce the episode and announce the upcoming Children's Mental Health Week in Georgia, emphasizing its importance in promoting early social-emotional development and reducing stigma.
What Is Children's Mental Health Week?
“All children have mental health. It starts from the very beginning, and we want to really put a spotlight on that.”
Celebrating with 'Take a Pause with Cali'
“Grounding is a way of bringing your mind and body back to the present moment. It helps us feel steady, safe, and in control even when our emotions feel big or overwhelming.”
The Role of Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation
“We're working with the Georgia Association of Infant Mental Health to create a model and a curriculum around how can you be trained to be a consultant so that we can increase capacity and offer consultation more widely across the state.”
Real-Life Impact: The Benjamin Story
“By the end of the school year, Benjamin was doing absolutely fantastic. Wow. Had the help that he needed, the support, the resources. We were able to actually get him connected with resources going into the school system. And he started kindergarten.”
“By the end of the school year, Benjamin was doing absolutely fantastic. Wow. Had the help that he needed, the support, the resources. We were able to actually get him connected with resources going into the school system. And he started kindergarten.”
“Grounding is a way of bringing your mind and body back to the present moment. It helps us feel steady, safe, and in control even when our emotions feel big or overwhelming.”
“All children have mental health. It starts from the very beginning, and we want to really put a spotlight on that.”
Hosts
Guests
Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning
organization
Children's Mental Health Week
other
Decal Download Podcast
media
Laura Lucas
person
Jennifer McMichael
person
Jill Myers
person
Benjamin
person
Callie
other
Decal.ga.gov
product
The Methodist Home
organization
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