Links

Links

ICECMHC Partners

Social/Emotional Development

  • Foundation for Child Development is a national, private philanthropy dedicated to research, policy development, and advocacy based on the principle that all families should have the social and material resources to raise their children to be healthy, educated and productive members of their communities. Currently, FCD supports three programs: PreK-3rd Education (3-4 year-olds through third grade), Child Well-Being Index (all children), and New American Children (birth to age 10 living in low-income immigrant families).
  • Center on the Developing Child – Harvard University generates, translates, and applies knowledge in the service of improving life outcomes for children in the United States and throughout the world. Specifically, the Center is committed to building a unified science of health, learning, and behavior to explain the early roots of lifelong impairments; leading the design, implementation, and evaluation of innovative program and practice models that reduce preventable disparities in well-being; catalyzing the implementation of effective, science-based public policies through strategic relationships and knowledge transfer; and preparing future and current leaders to build and leverage knowledge that promotes the healthy development of children and families and brings high returns to all of society.
  • ZERO TO THREE is a national, nonprofit organization that informs, trains, and supports professionals, policymakers, and parents in their efforts to promote the health and development of infants and toddlers and improve their lives.

Early Childhood Mental Health

  • Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health is a national family-run organization linking more than 120 chapters and state organizations focused on the issues of children and youth with emotional, behavioral, or mental health needs and their families. The National Federation works to develop and implement policies, legislation, funding mechanisms, and service systems that utilize the strengths of families. Its emphasis on advocacy offers families a voice in the formation of national policy, services and supports for children with mental health needs and their families.
  • Family Connections at Boston Children’s Hospital is an initiative to support early childhood programs in their mental health outreach to families facing adversities, particularly parental depression. Family Connections provides supportive educational materials and services.
  • Georgetown University Center for Child and Human Development (GUCCHD) GUCCHD’s mission is to improve the quality of life for all children and youth, children with special needs, adults with developmental and other disabilities, and their families. Through direct   service, training, research, community outreach, technical assistance, and public policy, GUCCHD works to influence local, national, and international programs and policy including critical social issues such as poverty, health and mental health inequities, homelessness, violence, and literacy. The GUCCHD has provided leadership and expanded knowledge to improve systems, practice, and outcomes for young children, children and youth with special health care and mental health needs and their families, and individuals with developmental disabilities.
  • National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) brings a singular and comprehensive focus to childhood trauma. NCTSN’s collaboration of frontline providers, researchers, and families is committed to raising the standard of care while increasing access to services. Combining knowledge of child development, expertise in the full range of child traumatic experiences, and dedication to evidence-based practices, the NCTSN changes the course of children’s lives by changing the course of their care.
  • Research & Training Center on Family Support and Children’s Mental Health (RTC) The Center was dedicated to promoting effective community-based, culturally competent, family-centered services for families and their children who are, or may be affected by mental, emotional or behavioral disorders. This goal was accomplished through collaborative research partnerships with family members, service providers, policy makers, and other concerned persons. Although funding for the Center ended September 30, 2009, publications and other products of the Research and Training Center on Family Support and Children’s Mental Health can be accessed through The Rehabilitation Research and Training Center for Pathways to Positive Futures website

Expectant Families

  • Post Partum Support International (PSI) works to increase awareness among public and professional communities about the emotional changes that women experience during pregnancy and postpartum; disseminating information and resources through its volunteer coordinators, website and annual conference. Its goal is to provide current information, resources, education, and to advocate for further research and legislation to support perinatal mental health.
  • National Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition (NHHB) is a recognized leader and resource in maternal and child health, reaching  health care professionals, parents, and policymakers through its membership of local, state and national organizations and through partnerships among community groups, nonprofits, professional associations, businesses and government agencies. HMHB’s mission is to improve the health and safety of mothers, babies and families through educational materials and collaborative partnerships.

Early Care and Education

  • National Association for the Education of  Young Children (NAEYC) NAEYC is the world’s largest membership organization working on behalf of young children from birth through age 8 to set standards of excellence for programs and teachers in early childhood education. NAEYC is known for its workshops and conferences, publications, position statements, and resources for early education providers, families, and affiliated professionals.
  • Office of Child Care The Office of Child Care (OCC), in the Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services supports low-income working families through child care financial assistance and promotes children’s learning by improving the quality of early care and education and afterschool programs. The Office of Child Care was established in September 2010 and replaces the former Child Care Bureau.
  • Office of Head Start, Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center (ECLKC) The Office of Head Start, in the Administration for children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services promotes the school readiness of children ages birth to five from low-income families by enhancing their cognitive, social, and emotional development. Head Start programs provide comprehensive services to enrolled children and their families, which include health, nutrition, social, and other services determined to be necessary by family needs assessments, in addition to education and cognitive development services. Head Start services are designed to be responsive to each child and family’s ethnic, cultural, and linguistic heritage. ECLKC also have information at:

Cultural Competence

  • Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services Institute (CLAS) identifies, evaluates, and promotes effective and appropriate early intervention practices and preschool practices that are sensitive and respectful to children and families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. CLAS has several basic assumptions which define and guide its work. CLAS’ goals are outlined below, as well as some of the issues and concerns important to our work.
  • National Center for Cultural Competence (NCCC) The mission of the NCCC is to increase the capacity of health care and mental health care programs to design, implement, and evaluate culturally and linguistically competent service delivery systems to address growing diversity, persistent disparities, and to promote health and mental health equity.

Research and Evaluation

  • Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation (OPRE) is a unit within the Administration for Children and Families(ACF) focused on increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of programs to improve the economic and social well-being of children and families. OPRE provides guidance, analysis, technical assistance, and oversight to ACF programs on: strategic planning; performance measurement; research and evaluation methods; statistical, policy, and program analysis; and synthesis and dissemination of research and demonstration findings – including child care, Head Start, Early Head Start and other programs.
  • Research and Training Center on Early Childhood Development Center for Evidence-Based Practice (RTC) The major aim of the RTC on early childhood development is to implement a coordinated and advanced program of applied research on knowledge and practice that improves interventions associated with the healthy mental, behavioral, communication, preliteracy, social-emotional, and interpersonal development of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers with or at risk for developmental disabilities. The web site is designed specifically for parents, therapists, early childhood educators, and early interventionists, as well as researchers. The web site includes information about effective early childhood intervention practices based on research.

Early Childhood Policy and Service Systems

  • American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) an organization of pediatricians committed to the optimal physical, mental, and social health and well-being for all infants, children, adolescents, and young adults, offering various resources that focus on professional development, research, publications, and specialty topic areas, including mental health.
  • Bright Futures is a national initiative designed to advance child health, development and well-being. Bright Futures materials as well as additional resources specific to social and emotional development can be used with child care providers, home visitors, social workers, and other professionals who provide services to children and families in homes and community settings
  • National Center for Children in Poverty (NCCP) is the nation’s leading public policy center dedicated to promoting the economic security, health, and well-being of America’s low-income families and children. NCCP uses research to inform policy and practice with the goal of ensuring positive outcomes for the next generation. We promote family-oriented solutions at the state and national levels including those that focus on family economic security; strong, nurturing families; and healthy child development
  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides leadership and devotes its resources – programs, policies, information and data, contracts and grants- toward helping the Nation act on the knowledge that: Behavioral health is essential for health; prevention works; treatment is effective; and people recover from mental and substance use disorders
    • Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) leads Federal efforts to treat mental illnesses by promoting mental health and by preventing the development or worsening of mental illness when possible, including those that impact young children and their families.  National Resource for Evidence-based Practices
    • Project LAUNCH provides grants to states, tribes and territories to promote the wellness of young children birth to age 8 through implementation of evidence-based practices and programs in a public health system that meets the comprehensive needs of young children and their families in their designated communities, including young children and ECMH consultation services.
  • The Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP): In the area of child care and early education, CLASP works to promote policies that support both child development and the needs of low-income working parents. CLASP supports policies that expand resources for child care and early education initiatives at the federal, state, and local levels.  CLASP also studies the relationships between child care subsidy systems, Head Start and Early Head Start, state pre-kindergarten programs, and other birth to five early education efforts, to advance ideas that ensure these systems address the full range of needs of children and families. For example, see: Frequently Asked Questions About Using Title I of ESEA for Early Education

Professional Development

  • Erickson Institute is an independent institution of higher education that prepares child development and family service professionals for leadership. Through its academic programs, applied research, and community service and engagement, Erikson advances the ability of practitioners, researchers, and decision makers to improve life for children and their families.
  • Michigan – Association for Infant Mental Health MI-AIMH promotes and supports nurturing relationships for all infants that are essential for optimal social, emotional and cognitive growth. MI-AIMH supports and advocates for early intervention in policy, practice, training and advocacy; providing specialized training for infant mental health professionals and  have influenced professional development efforts across the country.

Technical Assistance

  • The Technical Assistance Partnership for Child and Family Mental Health created to assist communities to build infrastructure that helps them create a community system of care by offering expert consultation (early childhood specialists), communities of practice, FAQ’s, a monthly newsletter, and other resources to communities to improve the quality of life for children and youth with mental health problems and their families, including young children and early childhood supports, such as ECMH consultation.
  • National Technical Assistance Center for Children’s Mental Health has a leadership role in addressing the mental health needs of children, youth and their families at the policy, research, training/consultation and direct service levels. NTAC works with states, tribes, communities and families and offers a range of training and technical assistance opportunities, publications, and informational resources focused on building comprehensive community service systems for children with mental health and/or substance abuse needs and their families, including young children and ECMH consultation
  • National Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (NECTAC) is supported by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) under the provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). NECTAC serves Part C-Infant and Toddlers with Disabilities Programs and Part B-Section 619 Preschool Programs for Children with Disabilities in all 50 states and 10 jurisdictions to improve service systems and outcomes for children and families. This web site is one of an array of services we provide to Part C Coordinators and Section 619 Coordinators and the resources on this site are available to all. Funded since 2001, NECTAC and its predecessor TA projects have a foundation of forty years of technical assistance excellence in early childhood services
  • Office of Head Start National Technical Assistance Centers (select):
    • National Center on Parent, Family and Community Engagement (NDPRCE)identifies, develops, and disseminates evidence-based best practices associated with the strengthening of families and communities in order to support the positive growth and development of young children. NCPFCE is committed to working in partnership with the Head Start community, the Regional and State T/TA network, the other National Centers and the Office of Head Start to uplift and refresh current practices and co-create new approaches that actively and intentionally engage parents, families, communities, and programs in the development and learning of young children.
    • National Center of Cultural and Linguistic Responsiveness provides the Head Start community with research-based information, practices, and strategies to ensure optimal academic and social progress for linguistically and culturally diverse children and their families.
  • National Center on Health showcases research-based practices to ensure the health and mental wellness of Head Start staff, children, and families. The Center creates high-quality information and resources to help every Head Start and Early Head Start program implement effective approaches that meet the priorities, policies, and expectations to ensure healthy outcomes for children and families.
  • Early Head Start National Resource Center (EHSNRC) serves the Early Head Start community by creating new resources and sharing information related to the unique needs of infants, toddlers, and expectant families and EHS and Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Programs. The EHS NRC disseminates timely information through face-to-face meetings, the ECLKC, and state of the art distant learning experiences.

 Key Resources/Publications:

This product was developed [in part] under grant number 1H79SM082070-01 from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The views, policies and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of SAMHSA or HHS.