California Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation Network

Supporting the mental health and wellness of adult caregivers is crucial for fostering the relational health and future learning of young children, as early experiences and caregiver–child interactions significantly shape brain development during the first 5 years of life. 

Purpose

In partnership with the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), the California Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (IECMHC) Network delivers mental health consultation services, supports, and resources to home- and center-based child care and early education providers serving children birth to 5 and their families.  

The IECMHC Network model reflects a diversity-informed and relationship-based approach emphasizing relationships among child care and early education providers, families, and children. Providers who are given reflective opportunities and problem-solving support are more attuned to children’s and adults’ needs and interact in ways that foster adult and child relational health. 
 
The IECMHC Network also administers California’s Consultant Training Program, which builds a consultant workforce that provides high-quality, diversity-informed infant and early childhood mental health consultation services. 

Audiences Served

The IECMHC Network delivers consultation services, supports, and resources for those serving children birth to 5 and their families, including the following: 

• child care and early learning center-based program staff 
• family child care home providers  
• family, friend, and neighbor caregivers

Project Activities

• Universal supports include a helpline and virtual, drop-in Community Open-Door sessions for providers seeking immediate support in their caregiving role. 
• Targeted services include communities of support groups for home-based child care providers who seek to connect with other caregivers.  
• Intensive services include home- and classroom-based infant and early childhood mental health consultation services provided onsite or virtually.  
• The California IECMH Consultant Training Program builds California’s workforce of consultants who are equipped to provide high-quality, diversity-informed infant and early childhood mental health consultation. 

Project Director

Jennifer Miller

Jennifer Miller is a Director with the Early Childhood Intervention, Mental Health, and Inclusion team. She helps build and sustain cross-sector workforce capacity in early childhood systems, programs, and services, including maternal and child health; home visiting; Part C early intervention; early childhood education; and early childhood mental health. 

Funder

This project is funded by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS). 

Project Duration

June, 2021 through June, 2026