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Early Childhood Mental Health Supports
The early years are full of growth, change, and big feelings — for children and the adults who care for them. Union County offers a range of early childhood supports designed to meet families and early learning partners where they are and strengthen healthy development from the start. On this page, you’ll find information about services and supports available to caregivers and educators, both at home and in the community, focused on building connection, confidence, and practical skills. You’ll also find recorded learning opportunities that can be watched anytime, offering guidance and tools to support young children’s social and emotional wellbeing.
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There are a few different ways to request Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation, depending on your role and what kind of support you’re seeking.
Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation offers short-term, relationship-focused support for children birth through age 8 and the adults who care for them. This service helps strengthen social and emotional development, support school readiness, and build caregivers’ and educators’ confidence in understanding and responding to children’s behavior.
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ECMH consultants partner with caregivers, teachers, and early learning staff to implement practical, developmentally appropriate strategies. Consultation is preventative and strengths-based — it is not therapy or diagnosis — and is designed to support children where they live, learn, and grow, including at home, in childcare settings, and in classrooms. Services may include observation, coaching, brief interventions, and connections to additional supports when helpful.
Parents & Caregivers
Teachers & Childcare Providers
ECMH Consultation is provided at no cost to families, schools, and childcare programs. Services are funded by the Mental Health and Recovery Board of Union County and delivered by OhioGuidestone. Once a referral has been received, a member of our team will be in contact within 5 business days.
Early Childhood Family Peer Support
Sometimes the most helpful support comes from talking with someone who truly understands. Early Childhood Family Peer Support connects parents and caregivers of young children with a trained peer who has lived experience navigating parenting challenges and child-serving systems. Peer Supporters listen without judgment, walk alongside families, and help caregivers feel more confident and supported as they care for their child.
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Early Childhood Family Peer Support is a no-cost, voluntary, family-centered service designed to meet you where you are — whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, looking for resources, or simply wanting someone to talk through everyday parenting challenges. Early Childhood Family Peer Support is funded by the Mental Health and Recovery Board of Union County and provided by Council for Union County Families.
Parents & Caregivers
Youth-Serving Professionals
After you submit a form, a Family Peer Supporter will follow up with you directly.
Caregiver Supports and Learning Opportunities
Parenting young children comes with big feelings, big questions, and plenty of moments where you wonder, “Am I doing this right?” You’re not alone.
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Throughout the year, Union County offers small, welcoming learning groups for parents and caregivers of young children. These groups are designed to help you build practical skills, strengthen your connection with your child, and feel more confident in your parenting.
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Groups are supportive and judgment-free. They are not therapy, but guided learning experiences led by trained professionals using evidence-informed approaches.
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Offerings may include:
Additional workshops and learning opportunities as available
Interested in Learning More?
If you’re curious about an upcoming group or wondering whether one might be a good fit for your family, fill out the form below, and a team member will reach out to share details and answer your questions.
ECMH Essentials webinar Series
ECMH Essentials is a free webinar series created to strengthen understanding of early childhood mental health across Union County. These sessions were designed for educators, caregivers, service providers, and community members who support young children in home, school, and community settings.
Each webinar focuses on practical, real-world strategies to:
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Support social-emotional development
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Understand behavior through a developmental lens
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Strengthen adult-child relationships
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Create nurturing, responsive environments
This series is part of Union County’s broader effort to expand access to early childhood mental health education and prevention-focused supports, strengthening the adults who care for young children every day.
Note: New recordings will be added to our YouTube channel as they become available.