1. Role of the IECMH Consultant

Understands and can convey how IECMHC is a mental health specialization and service that is distinct from other activities in which mental health professionals may engage.

Demonstrates an ability to strengthen the capacity of staff working in programs and other settings serving infants, young children, and families to support the social, emotional, and relational health of infants, young children, and families in a range of settings. (In the context of this document, unless otherwise noted “relational health” describes the mutual emotional connections established by healthy interactions between or among infants or young children, early childhood providers, caregivers, family members, and program and other setting staff that contribute to infants’ or young children’s overall mental and physical well-being.)

Partners with families and staff in working to prevent mental health problems from developing or worsening and/or in responding effectively to existing mental health concerns.

Partners with staff and program or other setting and systems leaders to build more equitable systems by addressing implicit bias, increasing positive relationships between early childhood providers and infants and children with different abilities and from diverse racial/ethnic and language backgrounds, monitoring and using disaggregated data to reduce disparities, and developing and implementing new policies that support positive and equitable experiences for all young children.

1A: Distinguishes IECMHC from Other related Endeavors

Unless otherwise noted, the IECMH competencies refer to Infant Family Specialist and Early Childhood Family Specialist. If an “MHS” is noted, this competency is related to Infant Mental Health Specialist and Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist. “MHM” refers to Infant Mental Health Mentor and Early Childhood Mental Health Mentor.

1B: Exhibits an Ability to Work in Natural Settings

Unless otherwise noted, the IECMH competencies refer to Infant Family Specialist and Early Childhood Family Specialist. If an “MHS” is noted, this competency is related to Infant Mental Health Specialist and Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist. “MHM” refers to Infant Mental Health Mentor and Early Childhood Mental Health Mentor.

1C: Understands and Engages in the Consultative Process

Unless otherwise noted, the IECMH competencies refer to Infant Family Specialist and Early Childhood Family Specialist. If an “MHS” is noted, this competency is related to Infant Mental Health Specialist and Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist. “MHM” refers to Infant Mental Health Mentor and Early Childhood Mental Health Mentor.

1D: Embraces the Consultative Stance and Reflective Practice

Unless otherwise noted, the IECMH competencies refer to Infant Family Specialist and Early Childhood Family Specialist. If an “MHS” is noted, this competency is related to Infant Mental Health Specialist and Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist. “MHM” refers to Infant Mental Health Mentor and Early Childhood Mental Health Mentor.

1E: Deepens Knowledge and Skills Through Active Participation in Supervision or Consultation

Unless otherwise noted, the IECMH competencies refer to Infant Family Specialist and Early Childhood Family Specialist. If an “MHS” is noted, this competency is related to Infant Mental Health Specialist and Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist. “MHM” refers to Infant Mental Health Mentor and Early Childhood Mental Health Mentor.

1F. Adheres to Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct

Unless otherwise noted, the IECMH competencies refer to Infant Family Specialist and Early Childhood Family Specialist. If an “MHS” is noted, this competency is related to Infant Mental Health Specialist and Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist. “MHM” refers to Infant Mental Health Mentor and Early Childhood Mental Health Mentor.

1G. Collaborates Respectfully with Other Agencies

Unless otherwise noted, the IECMH competencies refer to Infant Family Specialist and Early Childhood Family Specialist. If an “MHS” is noted, this competency is related to Infant Mental Health Specialist and Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist. “MHM” refers to Infant Mental Health Mentor and Early Childhood Mental Health Mentor.

1H. Explicitly and Intentionally Promotes Equity – from the Individual Level to the Systemic Level

Unless otherwise noted, the IECMH competencies refer to Infant Family Specialist and Early Childhood Family Specialist. If an “MHS” is noted, this competency is related to Infant Mental Health Specialist and Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist. “MHM” refers to Infant Mental Health Mentor and Early Childhood Mental Health Mentor.