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Brianna and Tanya: A case study about infant and early childhood mental health

The Brianna and Tanya case study offers an interdisciplinary exploration of children's mental health by engaging deeply with one child and family. 

Explore a socio-ecological, research-based approach to family resilience, mental health and wellness, childhood trauma and related issues through story, video, and interactive questions and activities. This course is ideal as specialized training within classes and staff trainings for those working with children and families. It is widely used to supplement higher education course curricula.

 

About this case study

This case curriculum is appropriate for individual study or as a group in a training or course. It consists of 20 chapters and participants can complete the course in 2-4 hours, depending on the depth of study. 

By the end of this program, participants will

  1. Use research in making practice decisions regarding early childhood mental health.
  2. Examine children’s experiences from an interdisciplinary perspective.
  3. Recognize the importance of prevention and early intervention.
  4. Apply socio-ecological and developmental perspectives to children’s mental health

A main purpose of this case is to introduce users to the field of infant mental health, which emphasizes the important relationship between a child and the parent or primary caregiver in helping a child grow. Infant mental health refers to the ability to learn, grow and express emotions within the context of healthy relationships with others.

What others are saying

Instructor Feedback

  • “What I like about the case study is it ‘brings to life’ a situation that is very plausible in early childhood classrooms.”

  • “Realistic scenarios!”

  • “While the story line is easy to follow, the added readings and activities provide ways to dive deep into each topic as well as make direct links to the current research on children's mental health.”

  • “Thank you for developing this very useful case study and innovative study model!”

Participant feedback:

  • “I learned a lot of new information about the roles of the social worker in this setting as well as the role of an early childhood specialist”

  • “Really appreciated the research resources. These were relevant and not overwhelming. Also, people can pick and choose.”

  • “The videos are really good for those who are less inclined to read all the academic research articles. The (video) presenters present research in very accessible ways. Also, the videos are short and concise.”

  • “[The case] allowed me to see the big picture beyond the child in the classroom. We can only best help the child when we could get everyone (parents, educators, specialists, etc.) involved.”

This course is free for instructors and participants

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© 2026 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer. This work is supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.