Side-by-Side is a unique early childhood mental health/consultation/social service program. The mission of the program is to address the mental health needs and improve the social/emotional functioning of children between 0-5 years of age who are exhibiting challenging or concerning behaviors in the state-subsidized childcare and pre-schools they attend within Santa Cruz County. Due to the innovative design of the Side-by-Side Program, we can serve children who would not otherwise receive mental health services. All Side-by-Side Program services are available in English and Spanish.
Childcare & Pre-school Services
The Clinician/Consultants observe children in their childcare and pre-school settings, and offer consultation, education, and support to the administrators and staff. Our goal is to help them promote and support the social/emotional well-being of the children, and improve their ability to effectively intervene with children who exhibit challenging or concerning behaviors. We also help foster positive working relationships between the childcare providers/pre-school staff and the families.
Child & Family Services
We provide counseling, education, support and social services to families in the Side-by-Side Program. The goals of these services are to address the children’s mental health and social/emotional needs, and assist families in resolving the difficulties in their lives which may be adversely affecting their children. A Family Resource Specialist helps the families identify and access necessary community resources and supports. We meet with families at their homes, approved Child and Family Development Program sites throughout the county, and the childcare and pre-school centers.
Community Education
We offer free educational opportunities to raise community awareness about early childhood mental health, promoting the well-being of children in childcare and pre-schools, and the importance of early intervention with mental health and social/emotional difficulties.
The Side-by-Side Perspective
· Positive relationships with significant others are central to an infant/young child’s development and well-being.
· Social/emotional and mental health problems of infants/young children must be addressed within the context of their relationships with significant others.
· The earlier a child can receive intervention the better.
· Infants/young children are helped the most when the significant adults in their lives receive the support they need.
· A comprehensive approach is necessary to help infants/young children, their families, and those who educate/care for them.
All of us have something important to contribute, and we do it best together, Side-by-Side.
For more information please call (831) 724-3885.