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2026 – 2027 IECMH Consultant Training Program Cohort

Infant and early childhood mental health consultation is an evidence-based service in which infant and early childhood mental health professionals partner with the adults in young children’s lives to build their capacity to foster healthy social and emotional development and relational health. The California Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) Consultant Training Program is designed to build the workforce of consultants who provide high-quality infant and early childhood mental health consultation services in center- and home-based child care and early education settings across the state.

The next cohort of the program will launch in October 2026. Upon completion of the training program, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation. Licensed participants (i.e., LCSW, LMFT, LEP, and LPCC) may also secure continuing education hours. The program is offered at no cost to accepted participants.

Applications will be accepted from July 6 – July 31, 2026.

Application Information

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Who should apply?

With the goal of increasing California’s capacity to respond to the mental health needs of young children, their families, and the child care and early education providers who care for them, we invite racially, culturally, and linguistically diverse applicants serving various communities to apply. We are specifically seeking:

  • Practitioners in California currently employed or seeking employment as Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultants serving child care and early education programs
  • Practitioners who are endorsed through the California Center for Infant-Family and Early Childhood Mental Health
  • Practitioners working in geographically remote and/or traditionally underserved communities
  • Practitioners with specific experience working with tribal communities and family child care home providers.

Applicants must meet the following prerequisites:

  • A master’s degree in a mental health, education, human development or related field (e.g., psychology, counseling, social work, child development, human development, special education)

The following are preferred but not required:

  • Mental health license or license-eligible
  • Endorsement through the California Center for Infant-Family and Early Childhood Mental Health
  • Minimum of one year of experience working with young children and staff in a classroom or group care setting.
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What is the Consultant Training Program format?

The California IECMH Consultant Training Program emphasizes a relationship-based, diversity-informed, and reflective learning experience for all participants. The program takes place in both synchronous and asynchronous formats, offering professional learners a high-quality, engaging experience. Participants meet monthly with faculty via Zoom in large group trainings and small group Communities of Practice.

Reflective journal assignments are completed in the Canvas online learning platform. Participants also engage in a consultation practicum with a family child care home provider to practice and apply what they are learning in real time. Finally, they meet regularly with a reflective practice facilitator to support their practicum experience.

Course content includes an in-depth exploration of the practice of consultation, including defining IECMHC, examining the role of the consultant, understanding child care and early education systems and the Consultative Stance.

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What are the participation requirements of the Consultant Training Program?

Successful completion of the program includes the following:

  • Nine Monthly Zoom sessions with Faculty: 3 hours each from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PT
    • 2026: October 9, November 13, December 11
    • 2027: January 8, February 12, March 12, April 9, May 14, June 11
  • Eight Monthly Zoom sessions with Community of Practice Group: 1 hour each
  • Reflective Journal Assignments: 1 hour per month
  • Practicum Assignment: 6–8 hours total
  • Reflective Practice: 4–6 hours total

Total Commitment: 53–57 hours

Note: Accepted applicants are highly encouraged to attend an informational session prior to confirming their participation. Sessions will be held Thursday, August 27, at 3:00 p.m. and Tuesday, September 1, at 12:00 p.m.

The English image illustrates the six essential components required for the successful completion of the California Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) Consultation Training Program (CTP). Each component—module assignments, module sessions, community of practice, practicum, individual reflective practice and module evaluations—are visually represented to show how they interconnect to support completion of the CTP. The Spanish image illustrates the six essential components required for the successful completion of the California Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) Consultation Training Program (CTP). Each component—module assignments, module sessions, community of practice, practicum, individual reflective practice and module evaluations—are visually represented to show how they interconnect to support completion of the CTP. The Chinese image illustrates the six essential components required for the successful completion of the California Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) Consultation Training Program (CTP). Each component—module assignments, module sessions, community of practice, practicum, individual reflective practice and module evaluations—are visually represented to show how they interconnect to support completion of the CTP.

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How do I apply?

Beginning July 6, 2026, applications will be available here. The application period will close July 31, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. PT. Applicants will be informed of their status in September 2026.

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Questions?

For more information, please contact:

  • Sujata Bansal ([email protected]) or Debbie Reno-Smith ([email protected])
  • California Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (IECMHC) Network 1-877-524-2422, ext. 6
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Consultants

Call the Helpline at 1-877-524-2422

Monday-Friday from 8am to 5pm, live Helpline staff will offer one-on-one support for timely, non-emergency guidance regarding specific questions or concerns related to infant, toddler and young children's social, emotional and behavioral health.

All calls are confidential.

Request Assistance

Visit the IECMHC Network portal to access consultation services.

If you are requesting consultation services for the first time, you will be prompted to set up an account to submit your request. You will only need to complete the IECMHC Network account registration process one time.

Please note your username and password so that you have them available for future use.

Our Partners

California Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (IECMHC) Network is coordinated by WestEd and Funded by the California Department of Social Services.

California Department of Social Services, 2026