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Partnership with the WestEd Center for Prevention and Early Intervention targets current providers who want higher level of training

First 5 Yolo and the WestEd Center for Prevention and Early Intervention have joined forces to increase local expertise in early childhood mental health. 

With a goal of increasing the capacity of current Yolo County providers to work with children 0 to 5 years of age and their families on early childhood mental health issues, First 5 Yolo is partnering with WestEd to offer a free professional development program for eligible participants through a comprehensive new program for infant/family and early childhood education.  The program offers a series of training sessions during a two-year period to build mental health expertise along the continuum of prevention, preventive intervention, and treatment. 

The Early Childhood Mental Health training series is based on the Revised Training Guidelines & Personnel Competencies for Infant-Family and Early Childhood Mental Health in California (2009).  The training series is designed to meet California endorsement hours for both Core Providers (1/2 day sessions) and Mental Health Specialists (full day sessions).

Training will include both face-to-face training sessions as well as required outside assignments (e.g., readings related to topical sessions, short and long term assignments, and class projects). 

Those eligible to apply for the free training include Yolo County providers currently offering early intervention, early childhood education, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech and language pathology, special education, human development, audiology, social work and pediatric services. 

Also eligible are those working with pregnant women, infants, toddlers and preschoolers and their families, as well as individuals from relevant professional practice disciplines who have a Masters Degree or higher and/or a license/certificate/credential. 

The professional development program is planned for a cohort of 20 individuals who will complete the full two-year program and receive a certificate of completion.  In addition, there will be approximately 20 fee-based slots for “drop-in” participants who wish to attend specific Friday sessions.   

Trainings will be held the third Friday of each month, beginning Friday, September 18 and will take place at the Woodland Community and Senior Center. Classes will run from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. To apply, go to www.first5yolo.org, or contact Jackie Hausman, jhausman@first5yolo.org, (530) 669-2330.  Applications must be received by Friday, August 14, 2009.

About First 5 Yolo

Research shows a child’s brain develops most dramatically in the first five years and what parents and caregivers do during these years to support their child’s growth will have a meaningful impact throughout life. In November 1998, California voters passed a statewide ballot initiative to add a 50-cent-per-pack tax on cigarettes. The funds collected are utilized to fund education, health and childcare programs that promote early childhood development from prenatal through age 5. For more information about First 5 Yolo, please visit www.First5Yolo.org.