Nurturing Connection and Growth in Young Children and Their Caregivers
The first five years of life are a time of incredible growth and learning. At Northeast Youth & Family Services, our Early Childhood Program supports children (birth to 5 years) and their caregivers through therapy that strengthens relationships, builds emotional resilience, and helps families navigate early challenges together.
Our therapists are specially trained in assessing, diagnosing, and treating infants and young children. We use developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed, and evidence-based approaches designed specifically for this age range.
Whether a child is showing signs of stress, difficulty connecting with others, developmental or behavioral concerns, or has experienced early trauma, our program offers tailored services to help both child and caregiver heal.
Supporting Early Connections
Our early childhood program serves children from birth to age 5 and their caregivers. It is designed to serve:
- Families navigating attachment, behavioral, or developmental concerns
- Children who have experienced stress, transitions, or trauma
- Caregivers seeking support to strengthen connection and emotional regulation
- Referrals from parents, early childhood educators, providers, counselors, social service agencies, and other support systems
Our Specialized Therapy Approaches
To support young children and their caregivers, NYFS offers three specialized, early childhood-focused modalities. Each is grounded in attachment theory and focuses on the healing power of relationships.
Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP)
A relationship-based therapy for children ages 0–5 and their caregivers, CPP helps families strengthen bonds and co-regulation following experiences of stress or trauma. Caregivers and children meet together with the therapist to foster safety, trust, and shared understanding.
Focus: Strengthening attachment, healing from trauma, improving emotional regulation
Format: Joint child-caregiver sessions
Circle of Security
An 8-week, group-based program that helps caregivers recognize and respond to their child’s emotional needs. Using a supportive and reflective model, caregivers learn to enhance security and confidence in the parent-child relationship.
Focus: Deepening connection and emotional awareness.
Format: Caregiver-only small group (no child attendance required)
Empowered Generations (eGen)
A 6-week focused program for caregivers who want practical tools and encouragement in navigating parenting challenges. Developed in partnership with the University of Minnesota, this strengths-based approach helps caregivers understand behavior and respond with empathy and consistency.
Focus: Parenting confidence, managing complex behaviors, reducing family stress.
Format: Caregiver-only sessions or small groups (in person or virtual)
To learn more about eGen, click here.
Additional Option: Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT)
In some cases, CCPT may be recommended in addition to or following participation in our Early Childhood Program. CCPT provides a developmentally appropriate, evidence-based approach that helps young children process emotions, strengthen self-regulation, and practice new coping strategies through a child’s natural language of play.
What to Expect
Every family begins with an intake and assessment to determine the best fit for your child’s needs. This includes:
- Meeting your therapist: You’ll be paired with a clinician experienced in early childhood work.
- Collaborative planning: Together we identify goals for your family and decide which modality or combination of supports best fits your needs.
- Ongoing therapy: Sessions may include both child and caregiver, caregiver-only work, child only work, or small groups.
- Review and next steps: We revisit goals regularly and support transitions to other NYFS services or community resources if needed.
All services are trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and designed with your family’s needs and strengths at the center.
Start your journey with us.
Get Started
If you are a parent, caregiver, or provider interested in learning more about our Early Childhood Program, we’re here to help.
Call 651-486-3808 or click Let’s Talk to get started.
Referrals are welcome from caregivers, pediatricians, early learning centers, schools, and other community partners.
This webpage and programming is funded in part by the State of Minnesota’s Department of Human Services.
