Past eventHeld October 2, 2026
Annual Early Childhood Mental Health Conference 2026
Single-day conference held on October 2, 2026 in San Diego for providers implementing evidence-based mental health strategies for children ages 0-6.
- Held
- October 2, 2026
- Location
- San Diego, CA
TL;DR
- The Annual Early Childhood Mental Health Conference took place on October 2, 2026 in San Diego, CA.
- The conference was billed as equipping providers with practical, evidence-based strategies to support mental well-being in children ages 0-6.
- The event was aimed at professionals in healthcare, education, mental health, and community advocacy.
- It was organized by San Diego Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry with support from County of San Diego Health and Human Services.
About
The conference began in 2009 and has grown as a dedicated platform for practical, evidence-based instruction on supporting mental health in early childhood. It serves as a space for providers to reflect, learn, and strengthen the networks connecting healthcare, education, mental health, and community sectors in service of children and families.
Who was in the room
Healthcare providers
Pediatricians, child psychiatrists, and clinical staff supporting early childhood mental health.
Educators
Teachers, directors, and staff in early childhood education and pre-K settings.
Mental health professionals
Therapists, counselors, and clinical specialists focused on children ages 0-6.
Community advocates
Professionals in social services, public health, and community-based support for families.
Featured speakers
2 listedPradeep Gidwani
Medical Director, Healthy Development Services · American Academy of Pediatrics, California Chapter 3
Natalie Elms
Manager, KidSTART Center · Rady Children's Hospital San Diego
Partners on record
2 listedQuestions people ask
8 answeredThe conference was held on October 2, 2026.
The conference was held in San Diego, CA.
The conference was aimed at professionals dedicated to early childhood development and mental health, including those in healthcare, education, mental health, and community advocacy.
The conference was billed as equipping providers with practical, evidence-based strategies that support the mental well-being of children ages 0-6.
The Annual Early Childhood Mental Health Conference began in 2009.
Pradeep Gidwani, MD, MPH, FAAP (Medical Director, Healthy Development Services, American Academy of Pediatrics, California Chapter 3) and Natalie Elms, MA (Manager, KidSTART Center, Rady Children's Hospital San Diego) served as course directors.
It was most useful for pediatric, mental health, education and community-advocacy professionals in the San Diego area who work with children ages 0-6, since the program aimed at practical evidence-based strategies and the course directors came from the American Academy of Pediatrics California Chapter 3 and Rady Children's KidSTART Center. Its run since 2009 and its local public funding suggest a well-established regional meeting, but clinicians working mainly with older children or seeking a national research program would get less from it.
Attendees at clinical and child-development conferences usually wear business casual, and San Diego's mild climate means light layers are enough.
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