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Project Leader - Dr. A. Lynne Beal, Psychologist
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The ABC's of Mental Health is a web-based resource for teachers of grades SK to 8. 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. The project will produce resource and training materials for teachers about common mental health problems. Materials will 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.
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.
Consultations with teachers and school resource staff in 2005 identified ten 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 and memory problems | Issues related to the body | Unusual behaviours |
| Problems with self-concept | |
For each of these categories, the resource 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 to refer to a mental health specialist. It 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.
We believe the project will support:
- the development of knowledge transfer mechanisms across Canada in the education system, where all children and parents are involved
- shared knowledge/ perspectives and integrated approaches between mental health needs of children in the school system
- leveraging of cross-sector interest/involvement in and support of projects
- sustained impacts on service responsiveness and capacity, quality of care practices, and integrative approaches to services
To help develop these materials, the Centre has enlisted the assistance of three very talented individuals:
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 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 comes to us from the Canadian Mental Health Association National Office, where she is the National Director of Programs and Research. Beginning as a primary school teacher, she later obtained master's degrees in education and environmental studies. Ms. Pape has extensive experience in mental health policy development, advocacy, and educational materials. She most recently contributed to "Handle with Care: Strategies for Promoting the Mental Health of Young Children in Community-Based Child Care," a Canadian Mental Health Association booklet developed in collaboration with The Hincks-Dellcrest Centre Gail Appel Institute.
| April 1, 2006 | The project team began work |
| March 2007 | Preview of draft chapters |
| September 2007 | Launch of the website and access to teacher resource materials |
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