The KDE Hub is happy to release the “Supporting Infant and Early Years Mental Health Research in Canada” video! This video compiles perspectives from top researchers from across Canada in infant and early years mental health and implementation science. Showcased in the video is an introduction to infant and early years mental health (IEYMH) and an exciting new initiative supporting IEYMH research in Canada called Mental Health in the Early Years (MHITEY).
Why invest in infant and early years mental health?
The first 3 years of a child’s life is a critical period for brain development where prevention and intervention strategies can make the most significant impact on the future mental and physical health of a child1. Yet many Canadian children are currently being left behind due to lack of screening, data collection and accessible supports for families. 1 in 4 Canadian children in preschool are being identified as vulnerable, missing this critical period for early intervention2.
What is the MHITEY Initiative?
The MHITEY initiative, funded by the Canadian Institute for Health Research (CIHR), is supporting 5 implementation science research projects from across Canada. This initiative will address factors impacting positive socio-emotional development, preventing mental health issues in early childhood, and successful treatment strategies for children living with or at risk of developing future mental health issues.
Each of the 5 funded projects are examining a unique gap in IEYMH research. The projects assess a wide range of supports including implementing mental health care pathways in communities, app-based parenting supports, enhancing parental reflective functioning, developing new tools centered in Indigenous values, and wraparound programming for mothers who use substances.
KDE Hub Resources and more MHITEY videos coming soon!
For more information on topics related to infant and early years mental health, click here to access our list of annotated resources on our website.
Learn more about each of the MHITEY projects here, and stay tuned for more videos highlighting the critical and innovative work being done by each project team.
References
- Center on the Developing Child. InBrief: The Science of Early Childhood Development. Harvard University. Published 2007. Accessed July 31, 2024. https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/inbrief-science-of-ecd/
- Canadian Institute for Health Information. Children Vulnerable in Areas of Early Development. Published August 2021. Accessed July 31, 2024. https://www.cihi.ca/en/indicators/children-vulnerable-in-areas-of-early-development