Infant/Toddler Workforce Wellness: Focusing on Wellness is Critical for Early Childhood Professionals

People who take care of others often put their own needs last. Does that sound familiar? Caring for yourself is important for your health and wellness, and it is directly related to your ability to care for others and succeed at work. Here, you will find an array of approaches to reducing stress and promoting wellness. Whether you prefer worksheets, articles, slides, activities, exercises, videos, reflective questions, or graphics, there is a tool for you.
For further support regarding wellness, connect with an Infant/Toddler Specialist from the Child Care State Capacity Building Center’s Infant/Toddler Specialist Network; please email [email protected] .

This infographic defines eight dimensions of wellness that caregivers can use to focus on and support their own wellness, and offers a planning guide to support prioritizing one’s wellness.

These resources can support infant/toddler caregivers focus on self-care and professionalism.

This resource from the Center for Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation, offers child care providers a variety of activities connected to stress and relaxation.

This guide from The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers a deeper dive into wellness and the eight dimensions of wellness.

This video from the Center for Early Childhood Education at Eastern Connecticut State University offers information about the critical importance of taking care of ourselves.

This infographic depicts elements of wellness that program leaders may examine in order to support child care staff.

The Office of Child Care offers child care professionals a collection of resources to support the mental health and wellness of children, families, and the child care workforce.

This suite of resources offers early childhood professionals information and strategies to promote a culture of wellness for young children and the adults who care for them.

This resource offers information on early childhood systems’ integration of social and emotional strategies for children, families, and providers.