If you are a child care provider in the state of California who is in need of additional support in your work with young children, you might be interested in the free services available from California Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (IECMHC) Network.
The California Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (IECMHC) Network has consultants available statewide to promote the social and emotional health and well-being of young children and the adults who care for them.
Consultants are highly trained professionals with experience in early learning and care settings and specialized knowledge about the various factors and stressors that can impact child, family, and provider well-being. Areas of support include…
Promoting positive mental health and social and emotional development
Addressing behavior that providers find concerning or challenging
Focusing on relationships and practices that buffer against stress and trauma
Developing a program culture that promotes the well-being of providers, children, and families
IECMHC Network consultation services can address the various factors and stressors that can impact child, family, and provider well-being. Here are a few questions to consider as you think about whether or not consultation services might be helpful for you:
Are you or your staff experiencing provider burnout?
Do you or your staff need additional support in understanding and responding to children’s behavior?
Would you like to have more practices in place to promote the well-being of providers, children, and families?
Do you or staff in your program need help supporting children who are coping with stress and/or trauma?
Requests for consultation can be made here.
If you are in need of one-on-one support, the Helpline is an opportunity to engage in “just in time” conversation with a live IECMHC Network Mental Health Specialist. Individuals are encouraged to seek timely (non-emergency) consultation and guidance regarding children who may be at risk of suspension or expulsion, discuss a specific question or concern related to infant, toddler and young children’s social, emotional, and behavioral health, and receive linkages to resources.
Call 1-877-524-2422 any time Monday – Friday between 8 AM and 5 PM. If the representative is unavailable or calls are received after hours, you can expect to receive a call back within 24 hours. All Helpline calls are confidential.
All early learning and care programs in the state of California are eligible for services. CA IECMHC serves private and state funded programs as well as center-based and home-based providers. All services are offered at no cost to providers.
