Updates from our CoE Partners in the Field
New Publication: The Role of Consultative Alliance in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation: Child, Teacher, and Classroom Outcomes
Authored by: Annie E. Davis, PhD, Sandra Barrueco , PhD, and Deborah F. Perry, PhD

Abstract: Young children's social–emotional development is powerfully shaped by their early environments, which for many includes early childhood education (ECE). Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (IECMHC) pairs teachers and infant and early childhood mental health (IECMH) consultants to promote teachers’ capacity to foster positive social–emotional development in ECE. Although the outcomes of IECMHC have been well studied, little research has investigated how this model leads to changes for teachers and children. According to theory, the quality of the relationship between teachers and IECMH consultants, termed consultative alliance (CA), is a key mechanism of change. This study analyzed the role of CA on 6‐month outcomes of IECMHC in a sample of 316 children, 289 teachers, and 62 IECMH consultants. Results from multilevel models suggested that stronger CA predicted greater improvements in teacher–child closeness and teacher‐rated child attachment behaviors. In addition, a strong CA was related to greater improvement in classroom climate, teachers’ self‐efficacy, and teachers’ perceptions of their jobs. This study upholds the centrality of relationship‐building and parallel process in mental health consultation, and by advancing understanding of the mechanisms of change for IECMHC may provide salient implications for policy and practice.

Children's Equity Project and Bipartisan Policy Center Report:Start with Equity: From the Early Years to the Early Grades
The Children’s Equity Project and the Bipartisan Policy Center, with support from the Heising Simons Foundation, released a new report: Start with Equity: From the Early Years to the Early Grades. The report provides a review of the data and research on three key equity indicators and provides an actionable policy roadmap for Congress, federal agencies, states and districts to take meaningful steps to remedy these inequities in early learning and education systems. 

You can find the report and the corresponding four-part webinar series here and below: 




Report overview
July 14, 2020, 3pm EST

Addressing Harsh Discipline and its Disproportionate Application
July 22, 2020, 3-4:40pm EST

Expanding Inclusive Learning for Students with Disabilities
July 28, 2020, 3-4:30pm EST

Equitably Expanding Access to Dual language Learning
August 6, 2020, 3-4:30pm EST
Participants Wanted! National Study on Parents' Experiences of Virtual Early Childhood Services
The Perigee Fund (perigeefund.org) has commissioned a national study to learn about parents' experiences of virtual early childhood (prenatal-3 years) services.  One focus of our work is on parents' receipt of and/or disruptions to infant and early childhood mental health services, including IECMHC. 

The first step in this important work is to identify current or recently completed research on this important issue.  

Please click the link below to fill out the survey if you know of related studies that are underway or completed:  



You can also help us by forwarding this email & link to anyone in your network who may be involved with, or aware of, related research. 

If you have questions, or would like to contact the research team directly, please feel free to contact: Beth Green ([email protected]); Rachel Chazan-Cohen ([email protected]); or Deborah Perry ([email protected])
TTAC Webinar:
The Power of Our Practice: Addressing Racism and Systemic Inequity through Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation
Presented by Kadija Johnston, LCSW
TTAC is pleased to host an webinar titled The Power of Our Practice: Addressing racism and systemic inequity through Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation presented by Kadija Johnston, LCSW.

Like all other institutions in the United States, the early care and education system struggles with structural racism and perpetuates inequities. From access to expulsion, young children of color are disproportionately ill effected. 

This webinar will begin by describing research findings that demonstrate the racial disparities in early care and education settings. Familiarized with the institutional inequities, we will turn our attention to another set of studies showing the salutary impact of ECMH Consultation on reducing racial disproportionalities in disciplinary and expulsion practices in child care and improving child outcomes. 

Based on recent research and by revisiting elements of the Consultative Stance, we will identify aspects of ECMH Consultation that catalyze change. Reflecting on ECMH Consultation’s effect, participants will be introduced to and encouraged to ponder the power of the intervention as a disruptor of racism and their role as proponents of social justice.
 
Date & Time:
Tuesday, September 22, 2020
1:30pm - 3pm
Georgetown University Center of Excellence for Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation | Website