A growing body of evidence shows that emotional development begins early in life and is a critical aspect of the development of a child’s overall brain architecture, with enormous consequences over the course of a lifetime. A child’s emotional well-being and social competence provide a strong foundation for emerging cognitive abilities, and together they are the bricks and mortar that comprise the foundation of human development.  From birth, children rapidly develop their abilities to experience and express different emotions as well as their capacity to cope with and manage a variety of feelings. The development of these capabilities occurs at the same time as a wide range of highly visible skills in mobility (motor control), thinking (cognition), and communication (language). Yet, social-emotional development often receives relatively less recognition as a core emerging capacity in the early childhood years. The foundations of social competence developed in the first five years are linked to emotional well-being and affect a child’s later ability to functionally adapt in school and to form successful relationships throughout life.

Through the work of the  Huron County CA/N Council and the GSC they have helped to establish a local support group for new mother's who are having difficulty after the birth of their baby. The GSC surveyed the community and looked at local resources for new mothers and found that this group was struggling to find support.  Melissa Stirrett, a private contractor,  received training through Postpartum Support International and received a grant through the Huron County Child Abuse and Neglect Council in 2010 to begin serving the moms in this county.  The Huron County Postpartum Mood Disorder Support Group meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month, from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. at the Huron Medical Center in Bad Axe.

Melissa has set up a website designed to encourage support group attendance as well as give mothers a place to talk about their experiences on line. She is also very familiar with area resources and can make referrals as needed. See www.huronpostpartum.com for more information.

2011-2012 Flyer in pdf to hang in your lobby or to pass out to moms

If you are concerned about your child's development please call your local Early On office for a free developmental assessment, in Huron County you can call Phyllis Yoder at 989-269-3484. You can also click on the logo to the left to go to the Early On website.
 

Click here for a Child Development Checklist. 
Click here for tips and techniques on how to work with you own child.

For a complete listing of all Huron County support groups click here.
 
For local Counseling/ Therapy/ Psychiatric Services click here.

If you are in crisis or this is an emergency situation please call 911 or 1-800-356-5568.