GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KJCT) – Mesa County Partnership for Children and Families (MCPCF) is hosting a free workshop Thursday focused on supporting early childhood development through nutrition and mental health. The “Healthy Minds and Little Bodies” workshop will bring together caregivers, parents and educators for an in-person training at the Clifton Community Center. “The first five years of life are really when 90% of brain development occurs,” said Brittany Odelberg, Early Childhood Specialist at MCPCF. The workshop will teach participants simple, practical tips to support children’s nutrition and their social and emotional development. Organizers said the timing aligns with key stages of early learning and growth. “This is the first time we’ve offered this training, and it’s really important because healthy nutrition is so key for such a fundamental time in brain development,” Odelberg said. While attendees will learn about healthy nutrition, mental health is also a major component of the training. “The training is available to anyone in the community, open to educators and parents, and they can expect to learn strategies for well-balanced nutrition and meal offerings, as well as in partnership with our early childhood mental health consultant,” Odelberg said. “He’ll be focusing on mental health and emotional regulation because that is the foundation to learn any other skill.” The workshop starts at 6 p.m. Thursday (1/21) at the Clifton Community Center, located at 3270 D and 1/2 Road. Educators attending the training can earn continuing education credit. The event is open to anyone, and no registration is required. “We are collaborating all year with our local early childhood mental health consultant,” Odelberg said. “Keep an eye on the Mesa County Partnership for Children and Families Facebook page for more information as these events come together.” For more information, you can visit their website here.Copyright 2026 KKCO. All rights reserved. Read More