Designing a Psychosocial Support Integration Model for ECD Centres in Adamawa State

Children in Adamawa State have experienced the direct and indirect effects of conflict and displacement, and systematically integrating psychosocial support into ECD centre practice provides a professional model for addressing children's emotional wellbeing alongside their developmental needs. This study designed a psychosocial support integration model for ECD centres in Yola North, Yola South, and Maiha Local Government Areas, Adamawa State. A professional model design methodology was applied, drawing on a child mental health needs assessment across 30 ECD centres, structured consultations with 15 ECD facilitators, 10 clinical psychologists, and 8 humanitarian programme officers, and review of IASC Guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings adapted for ECD contexts. Assessment confirmed that 38.7 percent of enrolled children showed behavioural indicators consistent with psychosocial distress, and no ECD centre had any structured psychosocial support component. The model designed specifies five integration elements: structured expressive play routines, emotion coaching facilitation by trained teachers, predictable daily routines for stability and safety, caregiver wellbeing support sessions, and referral pathways to clinical mental health services. Facilitator training requirements, screening protocols, and referral forms are included. Expert review by 12 specialists confirmed the model's clinical and educational coherence. Recommendations include implementation in partnership with UNICEF and Adamawa State Ministry of Women Affairs, facilitator training delivery before model launch, and quarterly psychosocial outcome monitoring using child wellbeing indicators.

Keywords: psychosocial support, ECD centres, Adamawa State, child wellbeing, conflict-sensitive education