Keystone STARS’ SACC Mental Health Consultation: Empowering School-Age Children and Supporting Teachers and Families

The Pennsylvania Key Infant-Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (IECMHC) program has recently expanded its services to support school-age children, teachers, and families through the School Age Child Care (SACC) Mental Health Consultation program. This new initiative aims to provide assistance to Keystone STARS programs in addressing the behavioral, emotional, and social challenges faced by children as well as supporting teachers and families with their own mental health needs.

The SACC Mental Health Consultation program offers consultation appointments statewide with mental health consultants available for telephone or video conference appointments. The consultation approach is collaborative and problem-solving, focusing on developing goals and strategies for addressing social-emotional, behavioral, and developmental concerns in children while promoting the emotional well-being of teachers and caregivers. Additionally, the program emphasizes the importance of partnering with families to provide comprehensive support.

Eligible child care professionals, including teachers, directors, and staff in center-based and group child care programs participating in Keystone STARS school-age child care programs can receive services through SACC Mental Health Consultation. Appointments are available on Tuesdays with follow-up appointments based on individual needs.

To request an appointment with a SACC mental health consultant, individuals can register online. Upon registration, participants will receive an email confirmation with appointment information and a Zoom link invitation for virtual appointments. Registration is open until the day before the scheduled consultation date ensuring accessibility for those seeking support.

With this expansion of services, Keystone STARS programs can better address the diverse range of mental health needs faced by school age children while also providing much needed support to teachers and families.