The City of Long Beach has launched a new program aimed at helping young children develop emotionally and socially.
The Early Childhood Mental Health Program, led by the Long Beach Health Department and in partnership with local early childhood organizations, will offer training, guidance and resources to families and educators working with young children.
“Our early childhood educators are on the front lines of shaping the next generation, and this new program will equip them with the tools to support children’s mental health from the very beginning,” Mayor Rex Richardson said in a public statement. “By strengthening our system of care, we are creating a lasting change that will extend far beyond the classroom.”
The program will provide the following resources from September 2025 through June 2026:
- Individual consultations for childcare providers to address children’s emotional and developmental needs.
- Professional development workshops to strengthen early childhood education practices.
- Parent workshops that equip families with tools to support their children’s wellbeing in the home.
To kick off the start of the program, the Health Department is hosting a training session for early childhood educators and childcare providers on Wednesday, Sept. 24, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Miller Family Health Center (3820 Cherry Ave.). The session will cover mental health in early childhood, connect attendees with resources and provide guidance from experts. Providers and educators can register online through the Early Childhood Mental Health Workshop registration page.
“This investment allows the Health Department to build lasting support for caregivers, educators and families,” Alison King, Director of the Department of Health and Human Services, said in a public statement. “By combining our expertise in early childhood and mental health, we can strengthen the systems that help children, providers and families thrive.”
The program is funded by an $1.3 million, 18-month grant awarded in January 2025 by the California Youth Behavioral Health Initiative.
For more details on the program, residents can visit longbeach.gov/ECEprogram.
