„Strategies for Promoting Children ́ s Menthal Health”
Report – Erasmus+ Training Week
Project Title: Strategies for Promoting Children`s Menthal Health
Location: Ivanić-Grad, Croatia
Dates: 01/10/2025 – 05/10/2025
The activity focused on strategies for promoting children’s mental health in early childhood education.The programme combined expert lectures, practical workshops, observation of educational practice and cultural exchange. Participants explored contemporary understanding of mental health, early prevention, risk and protective factors, and the importance of supportive relationships and environments. Special attention was given to educator well-being and self-care as a prerequisite for supporting children. Through interactive workshops, educators learned practical methods such as mindfulness activities, self-help strategies, structured play and life-skills learning that can be applied in everyday work with children. Outdoor learning and nature-based experiences were highlighted as important for emotional resilience, social connection and stress reduction. Community engagement, including participation in local cultural events, demonstrated how cooperation with families and the local community strengthens children’s sense of belonging. The activity strengthened participants’ professional competences, encouraged intercultural cooperation and provided sustainable tools that will be implemented in partner institutions to support children’s well-being and improve the quality of early childhood education.
Over the course of the week, participants developed key competencies in the following areas:
Understanding the concept of mental health in early childhood and the importance of prevention, protective factors and supportive relationships in children’s development.
Ability to recognize early signs of emotional difficulties in children and apply basic support strategies, including emotional literacy and structured daily rou
Application of practical methods in educational work, such as mindfulness activities, self-help techniques, life-skills learning and outdoor/nature-based approaches.
Awareness of the importance of educator well-being and implementation of self-care practices, along with strengthened intercultural cooperation and exchange of good practices.
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Participation in local community events, including the Pumpkin Festival in Ivanić Grad.
Collaborative outdoor workshops and creative activities with children and families.
Interaction with local educators and exchange of cultural practices among partner countries.
Strengthening intercultural understanding, teamwork and sense of belonging through shared experiences.
Throughout the training, the European values of tolerance, sharing, and democracy were clearly upheld. The atmosphere fostered mutual respect, active listening, and inclusive dialogue. The diversity of backgrounds enriched discussions and enabled participants to reflect on how these values can be reinforced in their own educational environments.
The LTTA in Ivanić Grad successfully combined theoretical learning, practical training and intercultural exchange. Participants gained concrete tools for supporting children’s mental health, particularly through preventive approaches, everyday routines and outdoor learning. The activity also emphasized the importance of educator well-being and community involvement. The acquired knowledge and methods will be transferred to partner institutions, contributing to sustainable improvements in children’s well-being and the quality of early childhood education.
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