Question 1

Why focus on children 0-6 years of age?

Accepted Answer

There is no other period of brain development that is as critical to setting the stage for human growth, development and positive or negative mental health as the first 6 years of a child’s life.

• When infants and young children do not meet typical developmental milestones as expected, this could indicate potential mental health concerns.
 • When early mental health concerns are not identified and treated, they can become more serious and complex, impacting childhood and lifelong physical and mental health.  
 • Screening and early identification of infant mental health concerns is necessary in reducing family distress and promoting child well-being.  
 • Service provides, practitioners, and clinicians play an important role in connecting families to evidence-based support and intervention when needed.

*source: Clinton, J., 2014.  Supporting Ontario’s youngest minds: Investing in the mental health of children and youth under 6.   Retrieved from https://sickkids.b-cdn.net/medialibrary/00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000/58f97a7f-e069-49df-b75b-f40edf9edb9c.pdf (https://sickkids.b-cdn.net/medialibrary/00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000/58f97a7f-e069-49df-b75b-f40edf9edb9c.pdf)on Aug 20, 2025.

Question 2

What is the ELCEC doing to support the needs of children 0-6 throughout HPE?

Accepted Answer

• Widespread training across multiple sectors to support infant mental health (referred to as social-emotional development) and developmental screening.
 • Processes to support transition of children with social-emotional concerns and developmental concerns, into school.  
 • Referral pathways to support health care providers and community partners in connecting families to social-emotional screening.

Question 3

How is the ELCEC making a difference?

Accepted Answer

• Check out our scorecard here (https://embed.clearimpact.com/Scorecard/Embed/92429)to monitor our progress.

Infant and Early Mental Health Care Pathways (0-6 years of age)

Early Learning, Childcare and Education Committee

RESOURCES for Practitioners and Community Partners

Infant and Early Mental Health Care Pathways (0-6 years of age)

Family Friendly Resources

HPE IEMH Care Pathways Presentation- Nov 12, 2025

Contact Children and Youth Planning Table