K475-Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health Practice: Parent-Child Relationships
This year-long course focuses on developing relationships with families and on how these relationships can support growth and development for young children and families. Emphasis is placed on culture and context in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) practice. In the fall semester, the course focuses on approaches to working with diverse families, understanding and assessing developmental and relational difficulties, using assessment as a collaborative process, and core concepts of relational therapies. Special focus is placed on interventions where children and/or families have experienced trauma or loss, considering the impact on development and relationships and resiliency in the face of significant challenge. In the spring semester, the course addresses relational approaches to early regulatory challenges and social-emotional and behavioral problems during the preschool years. Students learn exemplary approaches and strategies for IECMH- informed practice in home visitation, child care, early intervention, primary care and child welfare.
Students study the role of the IECMH consultant and practice using the consultation stance to promote change. The important role of policy, advocacy and systems building in IECMH is addressed. Use of reflective practice and supervision is a unifying factor in this course. Students develop in-depth intervention skills as well as learn to recognize the limits of their practice, based on their disciplinary training.