Gizmo’s Pawesome Guide to Mental Health – Early Childhood Introduction (English & Spanish)
CHDI, in partnership with the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood, adapted the "Gizmo’s Pawsome Guide to Mental Health" curriculum, widely used in elementary schools in Connecticut, to help preschool-age children understand their emotions, learn ways to support their own well-being, and know how to identify and get support from trusted adults.
The Gizmo’s Pawesome Guide to Mental Health – Early Childhood Introduction curriculum is designed for early childhood educators and home visitors to introduce children ages 3-5 to mental health concepts and teach them to take care of their feelings, thoughts, and actions. The curriculum also teaches caregivers, professionals, and other adults about early childhood mental health, and the important role that adults play in supporting young children’s emotional well-being.
The Early Childhood Introduction materials include a free, printable activity book and implementation guide that can be downloaded and printed for use in English and Spanish from the Gizmo website or by clicking the links below.
Activity book
An activity book with information for caregivers, curriculum delivered in story form, and fun activities for young children. Parents and caregivers can also use the activity book with their child on their own.
Implementation guide
An implementation guide for teachers and home visitors with suggested approaches to delivery, activities, and family engagement
Letters and activity template
Editable Templates for letters and activities to aid implementation
Resources for adults
Information for caregivers and trusted adults of young children
- How to talk to young children about mental health English
- How to talk to young children about mental health Spanish
- Adult pledge and mental health plan – English
- Adult pledge and mental health plan – Spanish
This project is supported by a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Preventing Adverse Childhood Experiences grant through The Connecticut Office of Early Childhood, in partnership with the Connecticut State Department of Children & Family Services, Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, Connecticut State Department of Education, The University of Connecticut Health Center, UConn School of Social Work, and United Way of Connecticut.