The Registry Infant Toddler Credential and Endorsement Collaboration

BACKGROUND AND COLLABORATION

In the spring of 2019, the Wisconsin Alliance for Infant Mental Health (WIAIMH) and Wisconsin Registry, Wisconsin’s largest Recognition System for the Early Care and Education Profession, renewed their collaboration developing a workgroup whose goal was to develop a crosswalk of the IMH-Endorsement® Infant Family Associate (IFA) competencies with Wisconsin Registry’s Infant Toddler Credential to support graduates in obtaining their IFA Endorsement® upon completion of their Infant Toddler Credential.

This effort confirmed alignment between IMH-Endorsement® IFA Competencies and Wisconsin Registry’s Infant Toddler Credential coursework as well as resulted in the establishment of a Toolkit of resources for instructors and students alike to orient themselves to this esteemed credential, understand it’s benefits and support applicants in the process to obtain their IFA IMH-Endorsement®.

IMH-ENDORSEMENT®

Infant Mental Health (IMH) Endorsement® for Culturally Sensitive, Relationship-Focused Practice Promoting Infant Mental Health is an internationally recognized credential that supports and recognizes the development and proficiency of professionals who work with or on behalf of infants, toddlers, and their families. IMH-Endorsement® is based on a set of competencies designed to support and enhance culturally sensitive, relationship focused practice within the framework of infant mental health. An applicant demonstrates acquisition of these competencies through education, work, specialized training and reflective supervision experiences.

WHY SUPPORT IMH-ENDORSEMENT®?

Demonstrates knowledge and experience in nationally recognized competencies in the infant and family field. Meets nationally recognized standard for providing culturally sensitive, relationship-focused services. Recognizes commitment to provide services that promote infant mental health with a high level of quality and integrity.

WAYS TO INTEGRATE IMH ENDORSEMENT® INTO YOUR ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE AND CULTURE

Provide information to staff about IMH-Endorsement® with the goal to build the capacity of professionals. Grow, support, and sustain reflective supervision and practices within your programs.