Infant and early childhood mental health consultation (IECMHC) is an indirect mental health service that promotes the social, emotional and relational health and well-being of young children and the adults who care for them. Consultation is offered to child care and early education programs and providers at NO COST.
Consultation in center-based programs includes observing the environment, facilitating reflective conversations, collaborating on the development of an action plan for the program and/or teacher, and supporting the implementation of that plan. Consultants meet with program staff and teachers to learn about the program’s needs, identify strengths and challenges within the early childhood setting, and discuss the program’s goals for consultation. Depending on the program-identified needs, the consultant may offer program-level support and/or work individually with teachers to provide classroom-focused consultation.
Areas of Support for Programmatic Consultation:
- Reducing staff and leadership stress
- Increasing staff retention and sense of self-efficacy
- Developing a positive program culture
- Establishing inclusive and equitable policies and procedures
Areas of Support for Classroom Consultation:
- Promoting a warm and responsive care environment
- Addressing and supporting mental health and developmental issues
- Reducing suspensions and expulsions
- Accessing community resources
- Bringing awareness to the adults’ experiences and beliefs and how that impacts their caregiving practices and interactions
- Supporting the social, emotional, and relational health of young children and the adults who care for them
How Will Consultation Be Provided?
- Consultation is provided to the program on-site, virtually, or a combination of both.
- Providers who participate in our consultation services are asked to complete a Satisfaction Survey and, in appreciation for their time completing this survey, will receive a stipend.
Visit the IECMHC Network portal to access consultation services. When you are requesting consultation services for the first time, you will be prompted to set up an account to submit your request. You only need to complete the IECMHC Network account registration process once. Please note your username and password so that you have them available for future use.
