CBU symposium addresses mental health development of young children

Riverside, Calif. (March 16, 2018) – Nearly 200 professionals and community leaders attended a daylong symposium dedicated to learning about infant and toddler mental health issues at California Baptist University on March 16.

The School of Education at CBU along with First 5 Riverside, a county program that seeks to improve the early development of children, hosted the inaugural event. The event was geared toward providing information and resources to help individuals who work with infants, toddlers and young children. The symposium focused on the effects of early trauma and toxic stress.

Dr. Kathryn Short, program director of early childhood studies at CBU, said the event aligned with the School of Education’s Early Childhood program as it relates to clinician/practitioner aspects.

“The goal is to develop community outreach, build capacity and knowledge for the need of skill-based intervention for infant and toddler mental health,” Short said.

Short was one of the hosts of the welcome session.

“If children are tired, hungry or hurt repeatedly, they are prone to toxic stress,” Short explained at the opening session.

Additional speakers provided information on topics such as brain development, early intervention, prevention, treatment and services.