mental health in early childhood Archives

The campus of HillsidesCares promotes serenity and calm.

The mental health of our children was a chief concern during the pandemic in 2020, and it hasn’t faded. We worried about them being isolated, about their social skills declining and their overall outlook being not as positive. In the years that followed, mental health among kids has stayed front and center.

At L.A. Parent, we’ve engaged with a variety of caregivers and services providers to best equip parents to handle this fluid situation. What to watch for, who to turn to and how to education yourself. See our content here.

This month, we are connecting with one of many organizations that is standing by help. The team at HillsidesCares believes that comprehensive care should be the foundation of mental health treatment for children and adolescents, so we asked for their perspective on the state of mental health and education among our children. We discussed things with Stacey Roth, a licensed clinical social worker and the CEO of Hillsides.

L.A. Parent: How did HillsidesCares get its start, and when?

Stacey: For over a century, HillsidesCares has supported children, youth and families through some of life’s most challenging moments, especially those impacted by trauma and emotional or behavioral health needs. While this work historically focused on children already within the county system, it became clear that many families were facing similar challenges without access to the intensive, coordinated care their children needed.

HillsidesCares was created to bridge that gap. Today, the program provides comprehensive mental health treatment for children and families with both health insurance and Medi-Cal, expanding access to the same trusted care and expertise that Hillsides has delivered for generations.

Casey Meinster is division chief of campus-based services and the head of HillsidesCares.

L.A. Parent: Where are you located and what services do you offer today?

Stacey: HillsidesCares is located in Pasadena on a beautifully wooded 17-acre campus with safe and comfortable cottages, 24/7 nursing services, serene outdoor spaces and enrichment areas including an art studio, music room, gym, pool and basketball court.

We provide a range of mental health services for children and teens, including residential treatment and day treatment. These services are designed to meet each child’s unique needs, with the flexibility to adjust the level of care as they grow and heal.

A key part of HillsidesCares’ approach is continuity. Families work with the same trusted treatment team throughout their journey, creating consistency and stronger relationships. We serve children as young as six and partner closely with families to ensure care is compassionate, coordinated and focused on long-term wellbeing.

L.A. Parent: You offer three types of treatment programs: Residential, Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient. How are they different and how do parents know which one is right for their child?

A HillsidesCares therapist leads a group discussion.

Stacey: HillsidesCares offers three levels of care based on the individual’s child needs. Our residential program provides 24/7 care in a structured, therapeutic environment for children who need the highest level of support. The partial hospitalization program (PHP) offers a similar level of intensive therapy during the day, while allowing children to return home each evening. The intensive outpatient program (IOP) is the most flexible, with shorter sessions a few days a week, so children can continue living at home and practicing new skills in their daily routines.

Choosing the right program depends on your child’s needs, and our team works closely with each family to guide that decision. We assess each child’s situation and recommend the level of care that will provide the right balance of support, structure and independence to help them heal and grow.

L.A. Parent: What should parents watch for in their children that are signs of mental illness and how do they start the discussion with their child?

Stacey: Parents may notice changes in their child’s mood, behavior or stress levels, such as increased anxiety, sadness, irritability, withdrawal, difficulty focusing or reactions tied to past experiences. Some children may also show signs of challenges like ADHD, autism or substance use. These shifts are often signals that a child or teen may need extra support.

When starting a conversation, approach it with curiosity and care. Keep it collaborative and nonjudgmental by sharing what you’ve noticed: “I’ve seen some changes lately…” and giving your child space to respond. It can also help to normalize their experience, reminding them that many kids go through similar feelings and that support is available. Most importantly, validate what they’re feeling, offer reassurance and emphasize hope letting them know there are options and people who can help them feel better.

Sometimes, it’s also helpful for families to visit a program in person to see how it feels for both parent and child. HillsidesCares welcomes tours, offering a chance to ask questions, meet the team and better understand the environment before taking next steps.

L.A. Parent: How many people are on the HillsidesCares team and approx. how many families do you help each year?

Stacey: The HillsidesCares team is made up of 50-60 dedicated psychotherapists and professionals, including clinical staff, nursing a certified teacher, child-care counselors, leadership and campus support teams — all working together to provide comprehensive care. Each year, we support hundreds of families, with many children moving through different levels of care as they progress, ensuring they receive the right support at every stage of their journey.

If your family is in need of mental health treatment for children and adolescents, call HillsidesCares at 323-641-4842 to request a tour, or use this form: https://www.hillsidescares.org/healing-together/#form

As a speaker and as an attendee, I recently had the opportunity to experience SXSW EDU, an annual learning festival that explores the future of teaching and learninge. Immersing myself in numerous sessions and roundtable discussions, I found myself inspired and, quite frankly, in awe.

The caliber of speakers and the depth of discussions at SXSW EDU conference in March affirmed how critical education is in shaping the future. Artificial intelligence (AI) dominated the conversation across almost every category (nearly half the sessions offered were about AI and/or edtech). One thing that stood out was the fresh perspective on early childhood education, a topic that also found itself intertwined with discussions of AI.

A standout moment came during a roundtable discussion led by Michelle Kang, CEO of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The session sparked passionate discourse on the current and future state of early childhood education. Drawing from those conversations, here are my top 10 takeaways from SXSW EDU, specifically as they relate to the early childhood years (birth to five years):

1. Early childhood education is gaining traction

For years, early childhood education has taken a backseat at SXSW EDU, but the most recent conference marked a shift. Early education’s growing presence at the conference reflects a broader recognition of the field’s significance, perhaps an acknowledgment that the first five years of life are the most critical in a child’s development.

2. “It takes a village”

The phrase “it takes a village to raise a child” remains as relevant as ever. Education extends beyond the classroom. Every interaction a child has, whether with a doctor, a family member, a religious leader or a community member, plays a role in their development and growth. This perspective reinforces the idea that learning doesn’t stop when school ends. It’s an ongoing process shaped by many different people and experiences.

3. Early education is a national issue, not a partisan one

Kang emphasized that early childhood education must be seen as an integral part of the entire education system, not a separate entity. A national movement needs to challenge antiquated ideas to ensure that early learning is prioritized (in education policy, reporting, funding, etc.) and that there’s no room to politicize the issue.

4. Early educators deserve better pay and respect

Educators working with children aged 0-5 are often undervalued and frequently mistaken for babysitters rather than trained professionals. This perception contributes to low wages and workforce shortages. Addressing this issue isn’t just about equity; it’s about improving outcomes for the students.

5. Early education as an anti-poverty strategy

Investing in early childhood education is one of the most effective long-term anti-poverty strategies. Research shows that a strong foundation in the early years can significantly reduce the likelihood of unemployment, incarceration and poor health outcomes later in life (just to name a few).

6. Funding dilemma: STEM in early education

Investing in STEM education at the high school level yields immediate returns on investment, making it attractive to funders. However, research suggests that introducing basic STEM concepts early on in a child’s life (even during preschool years), plays a crucial role in future academic success. Despite this data point, early STEM education remains significantly underfunded.

7. The power of storytelling in advocacy

One of the most effective ways to push for change in early education is by amplifying and sharing success stories. Every community issue can, in some way, be traced back to early childhood education so it’s a relevant issue for all. Communicating these connections is essential in garnering public support and investment.

8. Mental health should be a priority

While awareness of the importance of mental health in early childhood education is growing, resources remain scarce, especially in rural areas. Additionally, some mental health professionals hesitate to work in early education settings due to liability concerns, so addressing these gaps (while destigmatizing mental health/social emotional learning) is important to support the emotional well-being of our youngest learners. At Children’s Institute, we understand this, so we invest in mental health supports for all our early childhood programs — in the classroom and for the family.

9. Bridging the gap between policymakers and educators

A recurring frustration among attendees was the disconnect between classroom educators and policymakers and administrators. Teachers on the ground often feel unheard when policies are developed without considering the realities of their daily experiences. Ensuring that educators have a seat at the table is key to creating meaningful dialogue. Here in California, Head Start Advocacy Day took place in Sacramento on March 18, where all sides had the opportunity to share from their perspectives.

10. AI in early childhood education?

The idea of integrating AI into early childhood education is met with both enthusiasm and skepticism. While AI has the potential to personalize learning experiences, especially for neurodivergent students and language learners, its implementation should be guided by ethics. Establishing a framework for responsible AI use in early education is imperative as the technology continues to evolve.

SXSW EDU made one thing clear: early childhood education is critical in offering the best start for future success. With more awareness of its impact, the field seems to be gaining momentum, but significant challenges remain. Addressing issues of funding, compensation, mental health and policy alignment will require continued advocacy, investment and innovation. If this year’s conference is any indication, the conversation is one we can’t ignore. For more information on our approach to early childhood education, please visit childrensinstitute.org/early-childhood.

NOTE: For six key trends shaping the future of education, visit laparent.com/trends-shaping-education-sxsw-edu.

Hyesun Ahn is a former Fulbright Scholar to Austria and works as the Marketing & Communications Manager at Children’s Institute.

HillsidesCares: Mental Health Support for Children and Teens

Insights on Early Childhood Education from SXSW EDU