Five Action Steps to Address Maternal Depression in Head Start Programs: #2

2. Train staff about depression warning signs and how to talk with families

The Office of Head Start has funded many projects that can help programs prepare staff to work with families who are experiencing depression. One of these projects is Family Connections at Children’s Hospital Boston, and they developed a comprehensive training curriculum for Head Start staff. Below, there are links to modules and materials that can support professional development in this area. Remember that depression may look different in men and women as well as people from different backgrounds and cultures!

Back to Maternal Depression

Resources

• Training Modules for Staff, 2008, Family Connections Materials-
  • Module One
    • The Benefits and Challenges of Engaging Parents 
    • Perspective Taking
    • What Is Depression? 
  • Module Two:
    • The Program Climate and You
    • Accentuate the Positive
    • What Is Depression? 
  • Module Three:
    • Supporting Social/Emotional Growth
    • Strategies for Talking to Children about Difficult Issues
    • Using Reading and Circle Time to Promote an
    • Expressive Environment 
  •  Module Four:
    • Better Communication
    • Developing a Resource and Referral Process
    • Getting the Most from the Home Visit
• Papers from Family Connections Program:
  • The Challenges and Benefits of Making Parent Connections
  • Parenting, Depression, and Hope
  • Reaching out to families facing adversity
  • Fostering Resilience in Families Coping with Depression: Practical ways Head Start staff can help families build on their power to cope.
  • Understanding Depression across Cultures
  • Better Communication with Children: Responding to challenging subjects
  • Better Parent Communication: What do I say when a parent tells me something difficult?
  • Encouraging an Expressive Environment: Supportive communication from the inside out