It is important to point out that mental health consultants are not the only ones who have critical roles to play in achieving effective ECMHC. Head Start/Early Head Start program administrators and other staff with leadership responsibilities are essential partners. These individuals help set the stage for how consultation services will be received by staff and families through their own attitudes and willingness to help integrate the consultant into program operations and program culture. For more details on how HS/EHS program leaders can support effective consultation, see CECMHC’s Administrators’ Guide.

Another important consideration is that in order to effectively perform any of the roles mentioned above, consultants need to foster strong, positive relationships with those they are serving. It is in the context of trusting and mutually respectful relationships that true collaboration and changes in attitudes and practices can occur. Further, to optimize children’s social and emotional development, consultants must also facilitate development of positive provider/family, provider/child, and child/family relationships. There is a growing body of research and literature on the importance of relationships in providing effective consultation ( Duran et al., 2009; Johnston & Brinamen, 2006). To learn more about consultant practices that support relationship building, see CECMHC’s Best Practice Tutorial, Mastering the Consultative Stance.