Long Beach is planting seeds for brighter futures, supporting mental health programs for children, while also providing guidance and resources for the families and caregivers who nurture them.

The Department of Health and Human Services recently launched an Early Childhood Mental Health Program to support the emotional wellbeing of children ages 5 and younger by strengthening the childcare and educational systems to help young children thrive.

The initiative builds on the City’s Early Childhood Strategic Initiatives Program and seeks to provide essential resources, training and guidance for those shaping the City’s youngest minds.

From September 2025 through June 2026, the program will offer one-on-one consultations and professional development opportunities for childcare providers, as well as workshops for parents. The sessions equip caregivers, educators and families with tools to support children’s emotional and developmental needs, while strengthening early childhood education practices for providers and helping families support children’s mental health at home. This effort will help children build resilience and prepare for lifelong learning.

Long Beach has more than 30,000 young children, highlighting the essential role that childcare providers play not only in supporting families but also in strengthening the local economy. By investing in early childhood mental health, the program helps build a foundation for long-term educational and social success.

The $1.3 million initiative, funded by the California Youth Behavioral Health Initiative, will run through June 30, 2026.

For details, visit longbeach.gov/ECEprogram.