Learn about the training, supervision, mentoring, and quality assurance systems needed to build a strong IECMHC workforce. Please visit the new Center of Excellence for Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (CoE IECMHC). This center is continuing the work begun under the first CoE for IECMHC. Vision Statement on Workforce Development The Center’s vision is that infant and early childhood mental health consultation (IECMHC) will be an acknowledged mental health discipline. The IECMHC workforce will be prepared to effectively meet the needs of young children across the nation and those who care for them. The IECMHC workforce will expand by establishing professional development opportunities that adhere to a core set of competencies, practice guidelines, and minimum standards to meet the needs of programs, providers, communities, states, and tribes. Additional information on working with tribal communities. Toolbox Resources Whereas competencies specify the qualifications and characteristics of infant and early childhood mental health consultants, workforce development outlines the training, supervisory practices, and support that is needed to successfully prepare the IECMHC workforce. The following documents and resources provide guidance on building the IECMHC workforce: Training and Workforce Development Activities that Prepare and Support Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultants – 2017 (PDF | 611 KB) provides an overview of the types of training that are most effective in preparing competent consultants. Types of Supervision and Oversight Required to Effectively Support Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultants in the Field – 2017 (PDF | 525 KB) describes the different types of supervision and oversight of infant and early childhood mental health consultants, and lists the most effective types of supervision for each IECMHC practice environment. IECMHC Condensed Grid of Qualifications (PDF | 439 KB) provides a compact overview of the qualifications needed for workforce development at the consultant, program, and state levels. Qualifications of an Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant – 2017 (PDF | 517 KB) lists the qualifications that consultants should possess, as well as factors that programs should consider when hiring consultants. Snapshots: Highlights of IECMHC Programs’ Workforce Development These documents highlight components of workforce development (training, supervision, mentoring, qualifications, etc.) in strong IECMHC programs. Five programs are illustrated: University of California-San Francisco’s Infant–Parent Program, a targeted IECMHC program – 2017 (PDF | 156 KB) Connecticut’s Early Childhood Consultation Partnership, a statewide early childhood education program/model with universal access – 2017 (PDF | 443 KB) Illinois Children’s Mental Health Partnership: Early Childhood Home Visiting Consultation Project, a statewide IECMHC home visiting program with universal access – 2017 (PDF | 352 KB) Arizona’s Smart Support, a statewide IECMHC program/model with targeted access – 2017 (PDF | 459 KB) Massachusetts’ Together for Kids, a targeted IECMHC program – 2017 (PDF | 446 KB) Access topical information about efforts to develop the broader behavioral health workforce. Find additional resources in the IECMHC Toolbox, including guidance on: Systems and Policy Models Research and Evaluation Competencies Communications Financing