an art teacher helping her young students learn to draw

Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation

Our experts work with early care and education providers and families through Michigan’s IECMHC, or Social Emotional Consultation. In our prevention-based program, we team with caregivers, teachers, and parents to foster the social, emotional, and behavioral well-being of children from birth to age five in childcare settings.

Mother reading to her son who sits in her lap

Helping Children Thrive

A child’s earliest relationships and care provide the foundation for healthy growth and development. Therefore, we are dedicated to providing family-centered services that nurture, strengthen and empower caregivers, promote positive attachment relationships, and encourage the development of young children to their highest potential.

Our consultants team with caregivers and teachers to do the following:

  •  Avoid expelling children from early care and learning settings 
  • Understand children's behaviors and social emotional needs 
  • Provide equitable learning environments free from bias 
  • Promote children's development and resilience 

Community outreach and trainings on various topics including: 

  • Trauma focused learning environments 
  • Assessing for mental health services 
  • Self-Care and Mindfulness 
  • Parent communication and engagement

Services:

Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (IECMHC) is a prevention-based program that aims to reduce expulsions and suspensions in childcare settings. Consultants work with early care and education providers and families to improve their ability to positively develop children’s social, emotional, and behavioral health from birth through age five. Consultants also provide training on the social emotional/mental health needs of young children.

How We Can Help:

  • Support in developing a positive, nurturing relationship with your child
  • Talking about and learning about your child’s growth and development
  • Learning coping skills related to your child’s crying, sleeping, eating, school, and/ or transition difficulties
  • Understanding infant, toddler and preschool needs and behaviors
  • Support in stressful life situations that impact parenting
  • Talking about and building your support system
  • Talking about your experience with depression, stress and difficulty coping 
    with a new baby

Eligibility Requirements

  • Licensed community-based centers, family/group homes, and GSRP in Wayne County (Priority is given to family/group home providers, and infant/toddler classrooms)
  •  Children birth to five