Mental health challenges among young children have intensified in recent years. Caring, responsive relationships with adults are foundational to children’s mental and behavioral health and essential for addressing this national issue. Over half of US children under age five spend time in nonparental care settings, placing child care providers in a unique position to support children’s well-being.

Why This Matters

While child care providers are well-positioned to support children’s mental and behavioral health needs, many lack the training and resources to support children exhibiting challenging behaviors that can disrupt classrooms, increase caregiver stress, and negatively affect peer interactions. Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (ECMHC) is a nationally recognized, evidence-based intervention that equips child care providers with the skills and knowledge to nurture positive relationships and respond effectively to children’s emotional and behavioral needs.

In Colorado, ECMHC has been a cornerstone of the state’s investment in early childhood well-being for more than a decade. The program pairs child care program directors, early educators, or parents with trained mental health consultants who can support them in navigating behavioral challenges, understanding developmental needs, and creating responsive learning environments.

What We Found

• Consultation was often initiated to support educator well-being and address challenging child behaviors, with directors using it as both a practical and a symbolic gesture of staff support.
• Providers valued strong, trusting relationships with consultants, describing them as supportive, collaborative, and affirming—creating a safe space for reflection and growth.
• Consultation shifted how providers understood and responded to challenging behaviors, encouraging more reflective, trauma-informed, and emotionally supportive approaches.
• Providers adopted practical, classroom-based strategies, such as cozy corners, breathing exercises, and social stories, that improved classroom environments and helped children regulate emotions.
• Consultation led to benefits for both providers and children, including reduced stress, improved provider confidence, stronger family communication, and better access to support services for children.

How We Did It

Between February and June 2025, the research team conducted 24 virtual focus groups with 52 Colorado child care program directors and educators in center- and home-based programs that were currently receiving or had received consultation in the last 12 months. To recruit participants, the team partnered with the Colorado Department of Early Childhood and ECMH consultants to reach out to program directors and child care providers they are currently working with or have previously worked with as consultees.