South Carolina Infant Mental Health Association

Black History Month Spotlight??Haydee B. Campbell Haydee B. Campbell was an African American educator and advocate for expanding early childhood education. Campbell became a teacher in St. Louis, Missouri, where she taught the city's only Black kindergarten. In 1889, Campbell became the Superintendent of Black kindergartens in St. Louis public schools. Her responsibilities as Superintendent included training Black kindergarten teachers, assistants, and volunteers. She also trained Black women beyond St. Louis as a leader of kindergarten work with the Tuskegee Summer Institute for Teachers. She later chaired the Kindergarten Department of the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs (NACWC), promoting the establishment of kindergartens for Black children nationwide. Campbell's dedication to early childhood education and her leadership in establishing kindergartens for Black children is not forgotten. Learn about other historical figures in Early Care and Education here: https://lnkd.in/eSTFpE3C

Black History Month Spotlight??Anna Evans Murray Anna Evans Murray was an African American educator, racial justice activist, and a strong advocate for day nurseries and kindergarten. Her unwavering commitment to establishing public kindergartens and training teachers in Washington, D.C., has left an enduring impact on the early care and education system. Murray's dedication to early childhood education was evident through her leadership in securing public funding for kindergartens in Washington, D.C. As chair of the Education Committee for the National League of Colored Women (NLCW), Murray spearheaded efforts to establish free kindergartens for Black children in Washington, D.C. Understanding that early education was crucial for future academic success, she not only helped create these programs but also worked to ensure that teachers were properly trained. Beyond her advocacy for kindergartens, Murray was instrumental in promoting day nurseries, recognizing the importance of early care environments for young children. Murray continues to inspire efforts toward equitable access to quality early learning experiences for all children. Learn about other historical figures in Early Care and Education here: https://lnkd.in/eSTFpE3C

Black History Month Spotlight??Josephine Yates Josephine Yates was an African American educator and leader in the Black women's club movement. As one of the first Black female professors in the U.S., she taught at Lincoln Institute (now Lincoln University) in Jefferson City, Missouri. Yates focused on advancing newly freed Black communities post-emancipation. Yates helped establish the National Association of Colored Women (NACW) in 1896 and served as its second president. She played a key role in expanding early care and education for Black children, advocating for day nurseries, kindergartens, and mother’s clubs. Her efforts laid the groundwork for accessible early childhood education in Black communities, giving children the foundation needed to thrive academically and socially. Her legacy in promoting early education has had a lasting impact on educational opportunities for African American children. Learn about other historical figures in Early Care and Education here: https://lnkd.in/eSTFpE3C

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month! On February 7, MUSC’s College of Dental Medicine hosted their Give Kids a Smile Day event. Give Kids A Smile Day is an ADA program where children receive free oral health services. Did you know SCIMHA offers FREE developmental screenings for any South Carolina child aged 0-5? This service is through Help Me Grow SC, which is the state’s most comprehensive healthy development resource hub for families with young children. Take the FREE developmental screening today here: https://helpmegrowsc.org/

Did you know SCIMHA has a podcast??? Raising Relationships, is a podcast for early childhood educators, administrators, families and children to open that dialogue and offer support and encouragement. Most people don't understand the heavy weight of responsibility and stressful situations those of us in child care and education centers face every day. And let's be honest, being in this world as an educator, admin or parent or child, it's not always easy. Listen to our episodes here: https://lnkd.in/eSRHhkcJ

This Thursday February 20 is our monthly Third Thursday Webinar! This month’s theme is connecting smiles to improve oral health. ?? Participants will: ?? Understand the importance of perinatal and infant oral health; ?? Understand the status of children's oral health in SC; ?? Identify key oral health messages that need to be conveyed and supported within the home; and ?? Access available resources and trainings to support oral health prevention for underserved communities. Our presenters: Mary Kenyon Jones, M.ED. Mary Kenyon Jones, M.ED. is the Strategic Operations and Communications Advisor for the Section of Oral Health at SC Department of Public Health and for the SC Oral Health Action Network. Ms. Jones is a graduate of Converse College and the University of South Carolina. Ms. Jones has developed oral health curricula, standards-based materials, and outreach resources for vulnerable populations. In addition, she has developed and conducted certified trainings for childcare providers, Head Start/Early Head Start programs, and other community-based entities and has presented at the state and national level. Shawn Skinner, MPH Shawn M.E. Skinner is an alumnus of Alabama A/M University in Huntsville, Alabama. He earned his Master's degree in Public Health from South University in Columbia, South Carolina. Currently, he serves as the Program Coordinator for the South Carolina Oral Health Action Network, where he focuses on building a statewide safety network to address gaps in dental access and equity. His efforts at SCOHAN ensure significant strides are made to reduce dental disease and addressing dental challenges across the lifespan. Save your spot here: https://lnkd.in/eHwr5RtH

Today is Random Acts of Kindness Day! Do something kind for yourself and for others?? Here are just a few ways you can make kindness the norm today and everyday.?? Kindness is essential and even small actions can change lives The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation #RAKDay

February is black history month! Here are some books to share with the little ones in your life during Black History Month - and all year long! ????

On January 28th, children at the Blackville Library Branch in Barnwell County learned about the developmental fine motor milestone of holding a crayon. From Crayon to Pencil Grasp at One to Three Years! Did you know? Sometime during toddler and preschool years, your child can start adjusting how they hold a crayon to a thumb and two-finger tripod grasp. The sequence may move from the fist with thumb up to the fist with thumb down type of grasp. Next, they might be using all four fingers and the thumb, holding the crayon with the finger pads. To learn more about free developmental screenings for your child, visit www.helpmegrowsc.org and click on Take The ASQ!

We are thrilled to share that Help Me Grow SC is officially the BEST Family Support Resource in the Upstate! A huge shoutout to our amazing HMG team for their dedication to supporting families and kids across SC. Check out @kidaroundsc full list of winners using this link #kaboom2025 https://lnkd.in/dwGm9yaC