Overview

The field of infant and early childhood mental health has its roots in psychoanalytic principles. These principles remain relevant even as the field moves toward evidence-based practice models because they provide clinicians with crucial ways of understanding the meaning of behavior of both parent and child.

Faculty & P-5 Competency Domains

Faculty: Alicia Lieberman, PhD, Child Trauma Research Program at San Francisco General Hospital; Lisa Mennet, PhD, Cooper House

P-5 Competency Domains: 

• P-5 (1) Early Childhood Development
• P-5 (2) Family-Centered Practice

Presenters have affirmed that they do not have proprietary interest in products, instruments, devices, services or materials discussed in this event, and have confirmed that they have not been compensated in relation to this presentation.

Overview

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The work of infant and early childhood mental health (IECMH) often raises complex ethical dilemmas. In this presentation, we compare current approaches addressing ethics in IECMH. Small groups will discuss the recognition and resolution of complex ethical issues. We close with identification of avenues for the future development of ethical guidelines for IECMH.

Faculty & P-5 Competency Domains

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Faculty: K. Alison Steier, PhD, Southwest Human Development; Charles Zeanah, MD, Tulane University; Jon Korfmacher, PhD, Erikson Institute; Paula D. Zeanah, PhD, Tulane University

P-5 Competency Domains:

• P-5 (7) Professional and Ethical Practices
• P-5 (6) Leadership to Meet Family Needs and Improve Services and Systems

Overview

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This workshop describes the 3-year implementation and evaluation of a trauma-informed evidenced-based systems approach to address childhood trauma throughout an early childhood center. The trauma-informed model, the implementation process, the central role of infant and early childhood mental health consultants, and results of the mixed methods analysis will be discussed.

Faculty & P-5 Competency Domains

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Faculty: Brianne Twombly, LMSW, IMH-E, Starfish Family Services

P-5 Competency Domains:

• P-5 (6) Leadership to Meet Family Needs and Improve Services and Systems
• P-5 (8) Service Planning, Coordination, and Collaboration

Presenters have affirmed that they do not have proprietary interest in products, instruments, devices, services or materials discussed in this event, and have confirmed that they have not been compensated in relation to this presentation.

Overview

Equitable access to early intervention is key to ensuring that children with delays receive necessary supports. Early childhood professionals in Brooklyn, New York, will address challenges in referring children to early intervention and discuss the role of cross-sector collaboration aimed at improving access and equity in one low-income neighborhood.

Faculty & P-5 Competency Domains

Faculty: Jennifer Saba, PhD, Brookdale Hospital Medical Center; Karen McFadden, PhD, Brooklyn College; Kassa Belay, MS, United for Brownsville; Nora Puffett, MPA, NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene; Suzanne Dougan, Brookdale Hospital Medical Center

P-5 Competency Domains:

• P-5 (8) Service Planning, Coordination, and Collaboration
• P-5 (3) Relationship-Based Practice

Presenters have affirmed that they do not have proprietary interest in products, instruments, devices, services or materials discussed in this event, and have confirmed that they have not been compensated in relation to this presentation.

Overview

Clinical psychology graduate students are an underutilized workforce in infant and early childhood mental health practice and have the potential to help close the provider-service gap for diverse, underserved families. We describe a training model implemented at two psychology doctoral programs that relies on low-cost telehealth technology to support caregivers in the transition to parenthood.

Faculty & Competency Domains

Faculty: Dhara Megani, University of San Francisco; Jacqueline Jacobs, Denver University; Lauren Cruz, Denver University; Lauren Gross, MA, University of Denver; Lizzie Hoff, Denver University; Paulina Barahona, University of San Francisco 

P-5 Competency Domains:

• P-5 (6) Leadership to Meet Family Needs and Improve Services and Systems
• P-5 (8) Service Planning, Coordination, and Collaboration

Presenters have affirmed that they do not have proprietary interest in products, instruments, devices, services or materials discussed in this event, and have confirmed that they have not been compensated in relation to this presentation.

Overview

Connect with the recipient(s) of the inaugural ZERO TO THREE Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) Emerging Leadership Award. Be inspired by their substantial and growing contributions to positively influence IECMH practice, policy, and research. Join us for a facilitated dialogue that celebrates moving promising ideas into concrete advances for infants, young children, and their families.

Faculty & P-5 Competency Domains

Faculty: Lindsay Usry, MPH, ZERO TO THREE

P-5 Competency Domains: 

• P-5 (6) Leadership to Meet Family Needs and Improve Services and Systems
• P-5 (8) Service Planning, Coordination, and Collaboration

Presenters have affirmed that they do not have proprietary interest in products, instruments, devices, services or materials discussed in this event, and have confirmed that they have not been compensated in relation to this presentation.

Overview

There is growing understanding of the importance of enhancing workforce capacities to support infants, toddlers, and their families, across a range of disciplines, settings, and services. Building on that evidence, three communities share their experiences leveraging LAUNCH grants to implement IECMH workforce development strategies within local and statewide systems.

Faculty & P-5 Competency Domains

Faculty: Dallas Rabig, LPC, Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education; Jon Korfmacher, PhD, Erikson Institute; Karen Appleyard Carmody, PhD, Center for Child and Family Health; Mary Margaret Gleason, MD, Tulane University

P-5 Competency Domains:

• P-5 (8) Service Planning, Coordination, and Collaboration
• P-5 (6) Leadership to Meet Family Needs and Improve Services and Systems

Presenters have affirmed that they do not have proprietary interest in products, instruments, devices, services or materials discussed in this event, and have confirmed that they have not been compensated in relation to this presentation.

Overview

This workshop will help early childhood professionals develop a plan to build the evidence base for their program using resources developed by the Center of Excellence for Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health. Participants will refine their theory of change, build an individualized logic model, and select valid and reliable measures of outcomes.

Faculty & P-5 Competency Domains

Faculty: Annie E. Davis, PhD, Georgetown University; Deborah F. Perry, PhD, Georgetown University; 

Nicola A. Edge, PhD, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

P-5 Competency Domains:

• P-5 (6) Leadership to Meet Family Needs and Improve Services and Systems
• P-5 (7) Professional and Ethical Practices

Presenters have affirmed that they do not have proprietary interest in products, instruments, devices, services or materials discussed in this event, and have confirmed that they have not been compensated in relation to this presentation.

Overview

This session will focus on both the foundational and rapidly emerging rationale for establishing and sustaining engagement with families from early pregnancy. The pioneering work of Barnard and Brazelton, and contemporary epigenetic, neurodevelopmental, and neuro-functioning research, will support the case for shifting therapeutic endeavors to the earliest possible prenatal connection.

Faculty & P-5 Competency Domains

Faculty: Debbie Cheatham, ZERO TO THREE; Denise Findlay, BSN, RN, University of Washington; Joy Browne, PhD, PCNS, University of Colorado; Kristie Brandt, Parent-Infant & Child Institute; Paula D. Zeanah, PhD, Tulane University

P-5 Competency Domains:

• P-5 (1) Early Childhood Development
• P-5 (2) Family-Centered Practice

Presenters have affirmed that they do not have proprietary interest in products, instruments, devices, services or materials discussed in this event, and have confirmed that they have not been compensated in relation to this presentation.

Baby Talk 3: Zen Baby: How to Incorporate Mindfulness Techniques Into Family-Based Practices With Infants and Toddlers

Overview

The field of psychology has focused on how to increase a parent’s ability to engage in mindfulness practices to increase their emotion regulation abilities in order to increase healthy parent–child relationships. This session will provide insight into how practitioners can teach mindfulness techniques to families with infants and young children.

Faculty & P-5 Competency Domains

Faulty: Samantha Smith, PsyD, The Children's Center Utah

P-5 Competency Domains: 

• P-5 (3) Relationship-Based Practice
• P-5 (1) Early Childhood Development

Baby Talk 4: Compassion and Connection in Relational, Trauma-Informed Leadership

Overview

Relational and Transformative Leadership is not just for formal leaders. Leverage relationships and interdependence within teams to create psychological safety and the foundation for compassion, reflection, and trauma-informed practice.

Faculty & P-5 Competency Domains

Faulty: Michelle Vo, MD, University of Utah

P-5 Competency Domains: 

• P-5 (3) Relationship-Based Practice
• P-5 (6) Leadership to Meet Family Needs and Improve Services and Systems

Presenters have affirmed that they do not have proprietary interest in products, instruments, devices, services or materials discussed in this event, and have confirmed that they have not been compensated in relation to this presentation.

Baby Talk 3: Zen Baby: How to Incorporate Mindfulness Techniques Into Family-Based Practices With Infants and Toddlers

Overview

The field of psychology has focused on how to increase a parent’s ability to engage in mindfulness practices to increase their emotion regulation abilities in order to increase healthy parent–child relationships. This session will provide insight into how practitioners can teach mindfulness techniques to families with infants and young children.

Faculty & P-5 Competency Domains

Faulty: Samantha Smith, PsyD, The Children's Center Utah

P-5 Competency Domains: 

• P-5 (3) Relationship-Based Practice
• P-5 (1) Early Childhood Development

Baby Talk 4: Compassion and Connection in Relational, Trauma-Informed Leadership

Overview

Relational and Transformative Leadership is not just for formal leaders. Leverage relationships and interdependence within teams to create psychological safety and the foundation for compassion, reflection, and trauma-informed practice.

Faculty & P-5 Competency Domains

Faulty: Michelle Vo, MD, University of Utah

P-5 Competency Domains: 

• P-5 (3) Relationship-Based Practice
• P-5 (6) Leadership to Meet Family Needs and Improve Services and Systems

Presenters have affirmed that they do not have proprietary interest in products, instruments, devices, services or materials discussed in this event, and have confirmed that they have not been compensated in relation to this presentation.

Baby Talk 7 — Guiding Behavior—The Challenge Is Ours!

Overview

Every behavior is driven by a goal. Too often “behavior management” is narrowly defined. The challenge is ours in a relationship-based approach to consider “the whole”: the whole child, our whole self, and the whole relationship. Being curious about what is happening when a child exhibits behaviors, and about what is going on inside of us, can help us understand behavior, prevent some potential behavior conflicts in the future, and resolve others in a way that strengthens adult–child relationships. Challenge accepted!

Faculty & P-5 Competency Domains

Faculty: Katrina Macasaet, ZERO TO THREE

P-5 Competency Domains: 

• P-5 (1) Early Childhood Development
• P-5 (3) Relationship-Based Practice

Baby Talk 8—Are You Kidd-Ing? Mental Heatlh Consultation in  Rural and Frontier Settings

Overview

Infant and early childhood mental health consultation has developed into a major component of early childhood systems. This has included the development of national competencies, research and evaluation, and policy development. In rural, frontier, tribal, and territorial communities these all may prove more challenging. This talk will challenge our national standards.

Faculty & P-5 Competency Domains

Faculty: Neal Horen, PhD, Georgetown University

P-5 Competency Domains: 

• P-5 (6) Leadership to Meet Family Needs and Improve Services and Systems
• P-5 (5) Cultural and Linguistic Responsiveness

Presenters have affirmed that they do not have proprietary interest in products, instruments, devices, services or materials discussed in this event, and have confirmed that they have not been compensated in relation to this presentation.

Baby Talk 7 — Guiding Behavior—The Challenge Is Ours!

Overview

Every behavior is driven by a goal. Too often “behavior management” is narrowly defined. The challenge is ours in a relationship-based approach to consider “the whole”: the whole child, our whole self, and the whole relationship. Being curious about what is happening when a child exhibits behaviors, and about what is going on inside of us, can help us understand behavior, prevent some potential behavior conflicts in the future, and resolve others in a way that strengthens adult–child relationships. Challenge accepted!

Faculty & P-5 Competency Domains

Faculty: Katrina Macasaet, ZERO TO THREE

P-5 Competency Domains: 

• P-5 (1) Early Childhood Development
• P-5 (3) Relationship-Based Practice

Baby Talk 8—Are You Kidd-Ing? Mental Heatlh Consultation in  Rural and Frontier Settings

Overview

Infant and early childhood mental health consultation has developed into a major component of early childhood systems. This has included the development of national competencies, research and evaluation, and policy development. In rural, frontier, tribal, and territorial communities these all may prove more challenging. This talk will challenge our national standards.

Faculty & P-5 Competency Domains

Faculty: Neal Horen, PhD, Georgetown University

P-5 Competency Domains: 

• P-5 (6) Leadership to Meet Family Needs and Improve Services and Systems
• P-5 (5) Cultural and Linguistic Responsiveness

Presenters have affirmed that they do not have proprietary interest in products, instruments, devices, services or materials discussed in this event, and have confirmed that they have not been compensated in relation to this presentation.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had profound influence on the functioning of both families of young children and the providers of services who support these families. This Issue Intensive will explore how early childhood mental health providers and home visitors pivoted to virtual contact with families in the past year and a half. We will use voices from the field to highlight both the challenges and opportunities this massive shift has presented to early childhood services going forward.

Falana Coleman-Zamora,

Paula Zeanah, Director of Research

Cristina Galto,

Jon Korfmacher, PhD,

Mark Innocenti, Research Associate Professor

Megan Campbell,

The COVID-19 pandemic has had profound influence on the functioning of both families of young children and the providers of services who support these families. This Issue Intensive will explore how early childhood mental health providers and home visitors pivoted to virtual contact with families in the past year and a half. We will use voices from the field to highlight both the challenges and opportunities this massive shift has presented to early childhood services going forward.

Falana Coleman-Zamora,

Paula Zeanah, Director of Research

Cristina Galto,

Jon Korfmacher, PhD,

Mark Innocenti, Research Associate Professor

Megan Campbell,

There is a perception that tele-mental health care with young children and families cannot compare in quality or effectiveness to in-person care. During the last 18+ months when providers had to deliver the majority of care via zoom, we discovered that telemental health care for young children and families works. In this session, presenters will use clinical vignettes to illustrate how early childhood tele-mental health care (1) improves access and convenience, (2) is as effective as in-person care, (3) increases engagement, (4) reduces no-shows, and (5) provides a new lens for understanding the family’s homelife. They will conclude with recommendations for “promising practices” in providing tele-mental health care to young children and families.

Claire Lerner, Advisor

Helen Egger, Co-Founder And Chief Medical And Scientific Officer

What role does Infant Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (IECMHC) play in closing racial disparities? Join us in an important conversation about racial equity and how personal, mindful transformation translates into effective practice and policy. We will discuss research, effective professional development strategies, leadership development, policy/systems, and reflective supervision.

Eva Marie Shivers, Executive Director

Tonia Spence, Program Director

Meghan Schmelzer, Child Parent Psychotherapy National Trainer

This Issue Intensive is intended for intermediate-advanced audiences interested in learning about DC:0–5™ since its publication 5 years ago. Hear reflections from Dr. Charles Zeanah on this diagnostic classification system as it has been used over the years. Gain familiarity with the DC:0–5 as a multiaxial, developmentally appropriate, contextually driven, and culturally responsive diagnostic classification system. Learn about DC:0–5 training around the world and results of a recent survey of clinicians trained in DC:0–5 about its use in practice.

Charles Zeanah,

Marian Williams, Professor of Clinical Pediatrics

Kathleen Mulrooney, Director, Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) Strategy-Program

Ashley Rediker, Post-Doctoral Fellow

Noelle Hause, Senior Manager, Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health

This Issue Intensive is intended for intermediate-advanced audiences interested in learning about DC:0–5™ since its publication 5 years ago. Hear reflections from Dr. Charles Zeanah on this diagnostic classification system as it has been used over the years. Gain familiarity with the DC:0–5 as a multiaxial, developmentally appropriate, contextually driven, and culturally responsive diagnostic classification system. Learn about DC:0–5 training around the world and results of a recent survey of clinicians trained in DC:0–5 about its use in practice.

Charles Zeanah,

Marian Williams, Professor of Clinical Pediatrics

Kathleen Mulrooney, Director, Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) Strategy-Program

Ashley Rediker, Post-Doctoral Fellow

Noelle Hause, Senior Manager, Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health

Dig into the visionary, cutting-edge work of the 2021 Emerging Leadership Awardees and how it is transforming practices, policies, and systems. Kathryn Humphries will share recent research highlighting the importance of early caregiving experiences and discuss future directions in studying children and families to support positive development. Nat Vikitsreth will discuss how she uses self-reflection, storytelling, and somatic community practice with caregivers of young children, equipping them to practice social justice and address intergenerational family healing at the same time. Ashley McCormick will discuss how associations of infant mental health can serve as an access point to the birth to 3 workforce and are uniquely positioned to directly impact the composition of the field, strengthening service delivery systems.

Kathryn Humphreys, Assistant Professor

Ashley McCormick, Endorsement & Communications Director

Nat Vikitsreth, Founder

In this global Issue Intensive that will include speakers from five continents, we will take a deeper look at how mental health and child development practitioners promoting resilience and healing in refugee and post-conflict contexts are supported themselves to do this hard work with the families of young children. We will hear about what has been working well and what lessons have been learned, especially how the global early childhood workforce can be sustained through culturally informed models of reflective practice. We will also hear about the changes that need to be made to the system of global humanitarian response so that early childhood is more highly prioritized because more than ever—in a world of climate change, mass movement, and conflict—infants and toddlers cannot wait for responsive and trauma-sensitive care to reach them.

Campbell Paul, Associate Professor

Lucy Bassett,

Vilma Reyes, Director of Training

Astrid Berg, Professor

Erum Mariam, Executive Director

In this global Issue Intensive that will include speakers from five continents, we will take a deeper look at how mental health and child development practitioners promoting resilience and healing in refugee and post-conflict contexts are supported themselves to do this hard work with the families of young children. We will hear about what has been working well and what lessons have been learned, especially how the global early childhood workforce can be sustained through culturally informed models of reflective practice. We will also hear about the changes that need to be made to the system of global humanitarian response so that early childhood is more highly prioritized because more than ever—in a world of climate change, mass movement, and conflict—infants and toddlers cannot wait for responsive and trauma-sensitive care to reach them.

Campbell Paul, Associate Professor

Lucy Bassett,

Vilma Reyes, Director of Training

Astrid Berg, Professor

Erum Mariam, Executive Director

The Florida 2020 Statewide Capacity Assessment of Supports for Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) was designed to promote equity-oriented, community-centered, cross-system capacity building. Participants will reflect on the process and findings to identify the opportunity space for families, communities, and formal systems to collaborate around IECMH.

Allison Pinto, Clinical Infant & Child Psychologist; Adjunct Faculty

Emily Shaffer-Hudkins, Associate Professor

Jennifer Marshall, Assistant Professor

This Issue Intensive will start with a lecture to explain the effects of COVID on mental well-being and the importance of relationships. Participants will have opportunities to share their own challenges and experiences. The session will conclude with a brainstorming activity on how to advocate for and implement changes.

Birgit Monks, Program Chair, Early Childhood Education and Adolescent Development

This session will highlight a consultation and training approach for infant and early childhood mental health (IECMH) staff that serve immigrant children and their families. Participants will engage in conversations about adapting and using training approaches as tools for critical self-reflection, solidarity, and empowerment, especially when collaborating with staff who navigate layers of crisis and oppression.

Michelle Saulnier, Co-Investigator, Project Coordinator

Carmen Rosa Noroña, Child Trauma Clinical Services and Training Lead Boston Site ETTN Associate Director

Ivy Fernández-Pastrana,

This session will explore how cross-sector tables can advance equitable prenatal–5 mental health policies. Washington State’s Medicaid authority and its partners will share experiences collaborating with providers and families to create change. We will discuss early successes, implementation lessons, and the role of public-private partnerships in policy change.

Kimberly Gilsdorf, Program Officer

Christine Cole,

Kiki Fabian,

Jasmyne "Jazzy B" Bryant, Birth Justice Organizer and Full Spectrum Doula

Kristin Wiggins, Kristin Wiggins Consulting LLC

This Issue Intensive addresses the importance of recognizing the benefits of early engagement with nature-based sensory play therapy interventions to promote social, emotional, and cognitive development in young children. Explore the implications related to lack of access to green spaces within marginalized cultures.

Harleen Hutchinson, Executive Director, IECMH Specialist

Janet Courtney,

This Issue Intensive summarizes the work of the IECMH Clinical Workforce Diversity Collective in a reflective conversation and engages participants about barriers and opportunities to IECMH training and education that integrate and center the experiences of Black, Indigenous, and professionals, families, and communities of color (BIPOC) across disciplines and service sectors.

Nucha Isarowong, Director, Advanced Clinical Training Program

Carmen Rosa Noroña, Child Trauma Clinical Services and Training Lead Boston Site ETTN Associate Director

Jennifer Boss,

Eva Marie Shivers, Executive Director

Meet the 2022 Emerging Leadership Awardees who are creating new ways to impact infant and early childhood mental health (IECMH) practices, policies, and systems. Dialogue with the awardees about their passion for this work. Be inspired by the contributions they hope to make. Reflect on your own professional journey with the insights and resources you will gain from this Issue Intensive. Presenters: Award winners will be announced in July 2022 Awardee for Policy, 2022 Awardee for Practice, 2022 Awardee for Research

Holly Hatton-Bowers, Interim Program Leader, Early Childhood Interest Group

Erin Henderson Lacerdo, IMH Fellow

Callan Wells, Senior Health Policy Manager

Lynette Aytch, Director of the Leadership Development Institute