Integrated care pathways homepage  Middle years   HEADS-ED

Children and young people at different developmental stages have different needs and strengths. This page reflects work we’ve undertaken with a focus on the early years, from birth to age six.

Our path

Healthy social-emotional development in early childhood is an essential building block for good mental health throughout life. A troubling number of children experience social-emotional vulnerability in their earliest years. Promoting mental health across the lifespan and acting early to prevent and address mental health challenges is crucial for the long-term health and success of individuals, families and communities.

Where we started

We were amongst the first in our sector to put a real spotlight on the early years. In 2019, we published our second early years policy paper, deepening our focus on the mental health and social-emotional development of children under the age of 6. Then we launched our early years pilot project with Infant and Early Mental Health Promotion (IEMHP), based on recommendations from that paper. We brought together representatives from various sectors in three Ontario communities to: 

  • Strengthen partnerships to create efficient care pathways for mental health services in the early years. 

  • Ensure service providers have the right knowledge and training to identify mental health challenges, deliver services and support parents and caregivers who are navigating the mental health and addictions care system. 

The project culminated in the publication of our practical guide, From building blocks to care pathways. 

Where we are now

We remain IEMHP partners and continue to develop and mobilize resources to support implementation, evaluation and cross-sectoral work with key partners in and outside our sector.  

In 2025, we published Family-focused approaches for early and middle years, a summary of programs to inform and empower service providers interested in implementing and improving family-focused mental health and addiction care programs tailored for these age groups. 

Where we are headed

For several years, we worked to validate an adapted version of the HEADS-ED (a brief screening and triage tool) for children ages five and under. We also worked with community partners to develop, implement and evaluate integrated care pathways using the tool to help guide decision-making and care. We are now expanding upon our Pathways for children under 6 work to determine how HEADS-ED Under 6 is being used within primary care and EarlyON centers. 

Learn more about our integrated care pathways projects using HEADS-ED

 Key resources

Additional resources

Beyond building blocks: Investing in the lifelong mental health of Ontario’s 3-6 year olds

Learn about the foundational elements of infant and early mental health. Hear how communities are working together across sectors to support infant and early mental health in collaborative, timely and relevant ways. Presented by Children’s Healthcare Canada. 

Watch the webinar

Supporting Ontario’s youngest minds: Investing in the mental health of children under 6

This 2014 policy paper helped create a shared understanding of infant and early mental health in Ontario. Rooted in existing literature, leading policy in other jurisdictions and the results of an environmental scan, the paper presented six recommendations to guide policy and establish a foundation for longer-term system change around the mental health of children under the age of 6.

Read the policy paper