For Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day, our own Donna Barrow, Rutland County Head Start Director, will be part of a national panel of presenters with the Administration for Children and Families as part of the Webinar: “Strategies to Promote the Mental Health and Well-being of Children, Families, and the Early Care and Education Workforce.”

A recognition of the excellence of Rutland County Head Start’s education, family service, and nutrition staff who are dedicated to a culture of kindness, joy, and compassion, our director was asked to present our program as a model because of our partnerships with Vermont State University Castleton Campus, Rutland Mental Health, and the “Responsive Caregiving” initiatives led by our Education Manager, Missy Burke. She will discuss how our program demonstrates innovative approaches to complex challenges in early childhood education.

National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day has been recognized each Thursday of the first full week in May since 2005. It shines a national spotlight on the importance of caring for every child’s mental health and reinforces that positive mental health is essential to a child’s healthy development.

RCHS is fortunate to have a partner agency in Rutland Mental Health, as well as a strong Leadership Team, CEO, Board, and Policy Council that all prioritize Mental Health. To learn more about the webinar, visit https://childcareta.acf.hhs.gov/…/webinar-strategies…