Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health Foundational Training

This 5-module, 15-hour live online training provides an introduction to foundational themes in the field and practice of infant and early childhood mental health. Participants will learn trends in current research and theory related to early development, relationships, and professional practice, and will engage in collaborative discussions and learning activities designed to illustrate principles of infant and early childhood mental health and the use of reflective, relationship-based approaches in understanding and supporting infants, young children, and their families.

Participants

This training is recommended for individuals seeking an introduction to foundational concepts of infant and early childhood mental health and relationship-based practice. Participants may include professionals serving expectant parents, infants, young children, and families in a variety of fields, including early learning, home visiting, doula care, early intervention, mental health, healthcare, and others, as well as supervisors and administrators in child/family-focused programs and related fields.

Topics

Introduction to Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health: An introduction to foundational themes in the field and practice of IECMH, including the critical influence of early experiences and relationships on the developing brain; on children’s understanding of themselves, others, and the world; and on their ability to self-regulate and to cope with stress.
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Attachment Relationships: An overview of early attachment relationships, and the role of attuned, responsive caregiving in buffering the effects of stress and adversity and promoting the development of self-regulation and learning.
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Pregnancy and Early Parenting: An overview of stressors, supports, and relationship-based themes experienced during pregnancy and the transition to parenthood.
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Developmental Concerns and Disorders of Infancy and Early Childhood: An introduction to the most common developmental and mental health of infancy and early childhood, designed for non-clinical practitioners.
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Reflective Practice: A framework for building capacity for personal and professional reflection, including consideration of how one’s emotional responses and personal story impact the work, in order to promote professional growth and enhance interactions and practice with young children and families.

Instructor Bio

Bridget Lecheile, PhD has over fifteen years of experience in early development and prevention science and is the Training and Data Manager at the Washington Association for Infant Mental Health (WAIMH). Prior to joining WA-AIMH, she developed social-emotional curricula for preschool classrooms and instructed college courses in child development, mental health, and early intervention. She received training in IECMH at the Erikson Institute, and has worked in home visiting and childcare.