For Mississippi to reach its potential, our children must reach theirs.
New Chat about Children Podcast episode: Understanding Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health with Dr. Banks and Dr. Walker
Chat About Children connects you with the policy leaders that improve the well-being of kids across Mississippi. In this enlightening episode of Chat About Children, host Bailey Shelton (Director of Communications and Outreach at the Children’s Foundation of Mississippi) sits down with licensed clinical psychologists Dr. Gabrielle Banks and Dr. Courtney Walker to explore the often overlooked topic of infant and early childhood mental health. Together, they break down what mental health looks like in babies and toddlers, how caregiver well-being shapes a child’s development, and how to recognize early signs that a child might need support. You’ll hear candid insights, relatable parenting stories, and practical strategies for creating emotionally supportive environments. The conversation also touches on the impact of screen time, the power of early intervention, and how we—as a community—can better support parents and caregivers.
Brought to you in part by Mississippi LIFT, this episode is packed with expert advice and encouragement for anyone raising or working with young children.
You may now access the 2025 MS KIDS COUNT Factbook digitally! Click the cover or here to download.
We’re excited to partner with the Annie E. Casey Foundation on the release of its 2024 KIDS COUNT Data Book! This yearly report includes the latest child well-being data and an in-depth analysis of national trends, as well as recommendations for how policymakers, educators and other child advocates can help build a brighter future for all kids.
Have you Heard about Mississippi LIFT (Learning Investment for Tomorrow)? The Mississippi LIFT project is funded by the Preschool Development Grant Birth to Five (PDG B-5) Renewal. The PDG B-5 Grant is based on the strategic plan developed by the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) Division of Early Childhood Care and Development and other partners, including the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE), the Mississippi Early Childhood Inclusion Center (MECIC), The Children’s Foundation of Mississippi, and Mississippi State University Social Science Research Center (SSRC).
Mississippi LIFT invests in families, communities, and child care providers with sound educational resources for our littlest Mississippians. By offering training, employment incentives, and support for early child care teachers, Mississippi LIFT sustains families with free at-home learning and child care services by providing safe, evidence-based educational and lifestyle resources from birth to age five.
Early investment can transform the lives of children living in underserved populations, poverty, rural areas, and with disabilities. Mississippi's future depends on sustained funding of these early childhood education and development programs. Our fate is in the hands of the next generation.
Mississippi KIDS COUNT
Chat About Children
