Early Relational Health Survey (MI) |
1. Introduction and Demographics
Dear Michigan Parents, Early Care and Education Providers and Social and Emotional / Mental Health Providers,
The Michigan Health Endowment Fund (MHEF) and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) needs your voice to promote Early Relational Health in every community across our state. As promoters of early relationships, we would like to learn from you.
Early Relational Health is the state of emotional well-being that grows from the positive emotional connection that babies and toddlers and their parents and caregivers experience with each other through everyday moments of caregiving and nurturing such as sharing a smile during bath time, engaging in back and forth cooing during diaper changing and snuggling while sharing a story at bedtime.
Simply stated, relationships matter for both ourselves and for our children, bringing joy and meaning.
These early emotional connections are important for every young child’s growth and development.
We are aiming to develop an early relational health learning series in partnership with the Center for the Study of Social Policy to help transform our communities, systems, programs, and policies, because we believe that each and every family can experience the emotional well-being and joy that develop during those first days, months, and years of connecting with their child.
To develop this training series, we need to first listen to families to understand their hopes and dreams about their relationships, the challenges they face, and what supports and services would work best for them. We also need to hear from those supporting families such as home visitors, childcare providers, Part C providers, and preschool teachers to ensure they have the resources and additional training they may need. Additionally, we need to hear from those supporting the workforce and families to promote early relationships, such as infant mental health clinicians and consultants.
Please take 5 minutes of your time today to complete this online survey. Your voice matters, and we appreciate your time. All answers are unidentifiable and confidential.