Culturally competent mental health consultants are aware and respectful of the importance of the values, beliefs, traditions, customs, and caregiving styles of the families and providers they serve. They are also aware of the impact of their own culture on the collaborative consultative relationship and take all of these factors into account when planning and delivering consultation services to staff and families of young children.

Consultants can use their knowledge, skills, and attributes to support culturally responsive practices when working with young children, families, and ECE providers in both child and family centered consultation and programmatic consultation. These practices apply throughout the consultative process and the helping relationship as described in the following stages and activities of consultation.

Entering the Early Care and Education Program

Pre-Engagement

Engagement: Establishing Relationships, Rapport, and Respect

Gathering Information and Building Trust

Developmental Observations, Screening, and Assessment

Defining the Concern and Diagnosis

Designing Responsive Interventions

Using/Adapting Evidence-Based Practices

Supporting Implementation and Continuity of Care

Making Community Referrals

Supporting Staff Development

Reflective Practices and Supervision

Supporting Organizational Structures and Programmatic Approaches