The California Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (IECMHC) Network is a professional development project funded by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), and is coordinated by WestEd. The IECMHC Network delivers consultation services, resources, and training activities for early learning and care center-based program staff, family child care providers, and family, friend and neighbor caregivers. IECMHC Network services are offered at no cost for early learning and care center-based programs and home-based care providers in California.
The IECMHC Network’s services are designed to build the capacity of program staff and care providers to foster the developmental, social, and emotional health and well-being of young children in their care. IECMHC Network IECMH specialists and consultants use reflective practice approaches to support program administrators, teachers and providers while exploring problem-solving strategies within the context of infant and early childhood mental health. IECMHC Network services provide an opportunity to consider all relationships influencing the social, emotional, and relational health, and well-being of young children and the adults who care for them.
- Promoting positive mental health and social and emotional development.
- Addressing behavior that providers find challenging or concerning.
- Focusing on relationships and practices that buffer against stress and trauma.
- Developing a program culture that promotes the well-being of providers, young children, and families.