PEP Early Childhood Plus

In the community and classroom, PEP Early Childhood Plus equips professionals, families, and caregivers with knowledge and skills that ensure young children grow and thrive.

Overview

The development of social-emotional skills in young children is an early predictor of success in school and life. For decades, PEP’s early childhood consultants and trainers have helped teachers, caregivers, social workers, parents and mental health professionals support children with social, emotional, behavioral or developmental challenges.

PEP Early Childhood Plus helps children with severe behavioral or developmental challenges by empowering the most critical individuals in their lives – family, teachers, child care professionals – with the skills, strategies and community resources necessary to foster growth. Collaboration among a child’s entire support system anchors much of PEP consultants’ work – the core of which is advocating for what’s in the best interest of the child.

100%

of child care staff surveyed say PEP Early Childhood Plus consultants have a strong understanding of child development.

“

[Our consultant] has been such a support to families, students and staff. I have become a better teacher by observing her and working with her.

”

Teacher, Kiddie City

Starting with the belief that all children and their caregivers have strengths that can be built upon, PEP models and teaches skills that support the child at home and in the classroom. Should more intensive intervention be required, PEP consultants connect childcare settings and families to appropriate education and community mental health services and will assist with care coordination.

PEP Early Childhood Plus Services

Child Care Consultation*

With the goal of maintaining children in their childcare settings, PEP consultants equip staff, parents, and other caregivers with skills that promote healthy development for young children experiencing social, emotional and behavioral difficulties in group environments. This program is a provider of Starting Point's Prevention and Inclusion Program.

Community Based Consultation

PEP staff provides in-home or virtual early childhood mental health consultation, education and training to families and caregivers looking for help with their young child's social, emotional and behavioral needs. Two types of services are available for children from birth to six years: Short-Term Community-Based Consultation and Intensive Parenting Support Service. Learn more.

**Professional Development and Training* | Whole Child Matters Master Trainer**

Trainings for early childhood professionals across the state focus heavily on social-emotional development, trauma-informed care, and professionals in the classroom. Trainings are designed to reduce aggression, reduce impulsivity and increase attention in the classroom - all while promoting collegiality among teachers. By equipping professionals with the proper skills, the goal is to promote healthy social-emotional development and school readiness in young children.

Childcare Resource and Referral Collaborative

PEP consultants provide support to Child Care Resource and Referral agencies, often referred to as CCR&Rs, in nine counties. CCR&Rs assist parents and childcare providers with accessing services that benefit young children. PEP's collaboration with the CCR&Rs aims to align mental health supports to the unique initiatives at these agencies and is designed to help fill service gaps in infant and early childhood mental healthcare. Learn more.

*This project is part of, and funded by, the Cuyahoga County Youth Development Initiative.