What is IECMHC

The IECMH Consultant addresses an individual child’s mental health, emotional well-being, or behavior concerns. The Consultant collaborates with professionals and family members to understand and respond effectively to a child’s needs. A parent or caregiver’s emotional well-being and mental health may be considered as the Consultant strives to increase adult capacity to support a child’s IMH.

Activities include:

• Screening and assessment;

• Gathering, sharing, and coordinating information and strategies

• Guiding, supporting, reflecting

The IECMH Consultant addresses variables (attitudes, beliefs, biases, practices) that may be impacting relationships among professionals, children in their care, and their families. Collaborates with program staff and family members to promote equitable, warm, trusting relationships, consistent routines, and interactions that enhance development and positively impact classroom and home climates.

Activities include:

• Observing

• Co-developing plans and strategies

• Supporting family engagement and partnerships

The IECMH Consultant provides support to improve the overall quality of the program by focusing on multiple issues affecting the quality, climate, and equity of an early childhood setting.

Activities include:

• Providing reflective consultation and leadership support

• Supporting policy and program initiatives to support the social and emotional learning of all children

• Working to solve global issues that affect more than one child, family, or staff member

• Developing and providing staff training and wellness activities

The IECMH Consultant assists organizations, systems, and communities to improve social, emotional, and behavioral outcomes through partnership, collaboration, and coordination.

Activities include:

• Enhancing awareness of IECMH

• Linking families, groups, and organizations

• Supporting diversity, equity and inclusion

• Advocating for community and family needs