The Early Childhood Supports and Services (ECSS) is designed to build the capacity of pediatric primary care clinicians and their practices to identify risk factors, promote family well-being, and understand and respond to the behavioral and mental health needs of children birth to five years of age. Through education and collaboration, the goals of ECSS are to promote early childhood well-being and support the pediatric team’s competencies and comfort with:
- Supporting healthy emotional, behavioral, and relational development in typically developing children
- Identifying young children at risk of early mental health problems
- Providing first line intervention and management of early mental health problems, including identification and support for caregivers with mental health needs
- Providing relevant resources and making effective referrals for specialty care
- Partnering with specialty services for children with more intensive mental health needs
Our Mission
ECSS aims to enhance the overall well-being of families by promoting healthy social-emotional development, helping families navigate emotional and behavioral difficulties, nurturing positive parent-child relationships, and connecting families to
community resources.
What We Do
Our team of specialists provides grant-funded infant and early childhood mental health services to children ages 0 to 5 and their families. We currently serve families from Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines and St. Bernard Parishes. ECSS offers family support services as well as specialized clinical mental health services. Families may engage with one or more of our core components of service. Our dedicated team will work with your child and family to decide which supports and services will be most effective.
Note: ECSS services are intended to support, not usurp the role of the pediatric provider. We cannot provide direct therapeutic services. ECSS does not replace necessary emergency services.
