12 Feb A Stronger Start: Investing in Infant Mental Health
The people who provide childcare and support to infants and children come to this work with a variety of backgrounds, credentials, and knowledge. From teachers to home visitors to counselors, all of these providers play a vital role in the well-being and development of young children.
Research now shows that between 10-16% of children under five in the U.S. face mental health challenges. In order to best support these kids, infant and early childhood providers need specialized knowledge to identify and address mental health concerns. In response to this need, the Infant Mental Health Endorsement® (IMH-E®) and the Early Childhood Mental Health Endorsement® (ECMH-E®) were created. Based on a set of skills designed to support culturally-sensitive, relationship-focused care, these credentials create a framework for providers to deepen their knowledge and improve their ability to support young kids.
Receiving the endorsement is no easy task, taking an average of two years to complete. For this reason, we are so excited to share that 19 ReadyKids staff have received endorsements! Additionally, five staff members hold reflective supervisor endorsements, meaning they can provide support and supervision to colleagues who are working towards their I/ECMH-E.
Through these endorsements, ReadyKids staff are building on the knowledge they already have and developing new skills to best support the kids, families, and early childhood educators they serve. ReadyKids counselors use their endorsement to support kids on their healing journey, while home visitors and early learning specialists use it to screen for risk factors and educate parents and caregivers about infant mental health symptoms and available interventions. In their roles, ReadyKids staff support the whole family, not just their children. By achieving these endorsements, they’re better equipped with knowledge of family systems, generational trauma, and the environmental factors that contribute to mental health.
“The endorsement process encourages and supports reflective practice for staff, ensuring they can be fully present and available for the families they serve.” – Shannon O’Neill, Healthy Families Program Manager
The well-being of caregivers plays a vital role in shaping the well-being of infants and young children. Our programs and staff provide wrap-around support, engaging and educating caregivers and providers on how they can best identify and address mental health concerns. Through early detection, evidence-based support, and continued education, ReadyKids and our staff are better equipped to nurture each child’s growth, safety, and well-being. The I/ECMH-E is just one more tool in the toolbox that helps ReadyKids partner with local kids, families, and caregivers to ensure every child is learning, healthy, and safe![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]