The ABC's of Mental Health: A Teacher Resource
Usability Testing Version Released 11 September 2008
The Hincks-Dellcrest Centre
Project Leader - Dr. A. Lynne Beal, Psychologist |
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What It Is
The ABC's of Mental Health is a free web-based resource for teachers of children aged 3 to 14. Users of the Resource need not register or provide any personal information.
Drawing on information from expert advisors, the materials respond to teachers' most pressing concerns about children's mental health and behaviour problems in the classroom. The information, in accessible, easy-to-use formats, helps teachers to recognize behaviours that cause them concern. Materials cover:
- practical suggestions for the prevention of mental health problems
- the common behavioural and mental health problems that concern teachers
- early intervention strategies to use in the classroom that promote learning
- appropriate teacher responses to children with mental health problems and to their families.
Rationale
Every day, classroom teachers see children with a wide range of mental health problems that interfere with academic success. Teachers and school staff who work with these children frequently request resource materials to help them understand these children's problems and learn effective approaches for managing them in the classroom.
Mental Health Resource Materials
Consultations with teachers and school resource staff in 2005 identified the following broad categories of mental health and behavioral problems that challenge teachers:
| Worry and anxiety |
Sadness |
Self-Harm |
| Anger and aggression |
Social skills problems |
Defiance |
| Attention problems |
Eating Problems |
Unusual behaviours |
”Chapters” on each of the above have been written by experts in the field. Each chapter helps teachers to recognize behaviours that are appropriate for different ages and stages of development, behaviours that require further consideration, and behaviours that are serious enough that they may warrant a referral to a mental health specialist. Each chapter also provides a course of action for teachers to follow for worrisome behaviours and potential mental health problems, taking into account the child's developmental stage, disability, cultural differences and other life circumstances. The Resource is searchable by “worrisome behaviour” or by chapter.
We believe the Resource supports:
- the development of knowledge transfer mechanisms across Canada and beyond
- shared knowledge and perspectives, and integrated approaches, among and between mental health and educational professionals
- leveraging of cross-sector interest/involvement in and support of projects related to children’s mental health
- sustained impact on service responsiveness and capacity, quality of care practices, and integrative approaches to services
To help develop these materials, the Centre enlisted the assistance of three very talented individuals:
Dr. A. Lynne Beal, Psychologist (Project Leader)
Dr. Beal has over twenty years experience as a psychologist, both in private practice and with the Toronto District School Board and its legacy boards, including working as a supervising and chief psychologist. She works with children, adolescents and adults with educational, vocational, behavioural and emotional difficulties. She also provides professional development services to school staffs on topics in children's learning, learning disorders and mental health, and on systems approaches to the prevention of academic and mental health problems. Dr. Beal is our Project Leader.
Dr. Ester Cole, Psychologist (Consultant)
Dr. Ester Cole is a psychologist in private practice, and was a supervising psychologist with the Toronto Board of Education from 1984-2000. Her work has focused extensively on the development of multicultural, clinical and school psychology services. Dr. Cole's lectures and workshops for educators and mental health professionals include such topics as multicultural and anti-racist education, depression and suicide prevention, learning disabilities, parenting and multidisciplinary system consultation services. Dr. Cole is a consultant to the project.
Ms. Bonnie Pape (Consultant/Writer)
Bonnie Pape began her career as a primary school teacher before moving to the mental health field. She recently completed a nineteen-year tenure at the Canadian Mental Health Association, National Office, including fifteen years as Director of Programs and Research. Her work involved policy development, advocacy, and development of educational materials. With the Hincks-Dellcrest Centre Gail Appel Institute, she also contributes to the “Handle with Care” project, which provides materials and training for promoting the mental health of young children in childcare.
In addition to the above individuals, the Steering Committee included the following Hincks-Dellcrest staff: Dr. Irene Bevc, Psychologist (Program Director, Program Evaluation Services); Andrew Reesor-McDowell, Chair (Director of Centralized Services and Director of the Gail Appel Institute); Dr. Carole Sinclair, Psychologist, Co-chair (Director of Treatment Services and Quality Management); Gerda Sumner (Manager, Gail Appel Institute Child and Youth Training). Authors of the various chapters include: Dr. Robin Alter, Psychologist; Dr. Afroze Anjum, Psychologist; Dr. A. Lynne Beal, Psychologist; Peter Chaban, Teacher/Researcher; Dr. Glenn DiPasquale, Psychologist; Dr. M. Mary Konstantareas, Psychologist; Dr. Marshall Korenblum, Psychiatrist; Dr. Rhonda Martinussen, Professor of Special Education and Adaptive Instruction; Dr. Debra Pepler, Psychologist; Dr. Niva Piran, Psychologist; Dr. Tayyab Rashid, Psychologist; Dr. Barry Schneider, Psychologist; Dr. Carole Sinclair, Psychologist; Dr. Rosemary Tannock, Professor of Education and Psychology; Alice K. Vaughan, Clinical-Developmental Doctoral Graduate Student.
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English parent survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/mentalhealthresourceparents
French parent survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/mentalhealthresourceteachers
Click below to take the teacher consultation survey
English teacher survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/mentalhealthresourceteachers
French teacher survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ConsultationABCenseignantes