For More Information:

The Consultation Project  707-591-0170 www.earlylearninginstitute.com

Early Childhood Mental Health

We know that supporting children, childcare providers, and families early in a child's life can help a child grow into a healthy adult. That's why Parents Place has partnered with the Early Learning Institute (ELI) of Rohnert Park and ABC Special Start of Santa Rosa in The Consultation Project. This program provides free consultation services to childcare providers and preschool teachers serving children in Sonoma County ages birth through five.

Funded by First 5 Sonoma County, this program places mental health professionals and early childhood education specialists in childcare sites to help with children's behavioral, temperamental, developmental, or mental health issues and to suggest interventions and/or referrals.

We consult with providers to strengthen their understanding, willingness to persevere, and ability to intervene effectively with a challenging child. We provide developmental guidance, help providers interpret the meaning of a child's behavior, and suggest interventions appropriate to a group setting. We work to help providers strengthen the effectiveness of their team and to build positive relationships with parent(s) so the needs of the whole child can be addressed.

The Process

The process begins when the childcare provider calls ELI for an intake regarding a concern about a specific child. After the provider fills out a behavior checklist and the parent(s) give us permission to observe their child, we determine the best consultant for that child's needs. The consultant sets up a time to meet with the provider, meet with the parent, and observe the child to assess the child's functioning and evaluate the match between the child's needs and the school setting. 

A collaborative "Goal and Action Plan" is written and approved by the provider and the parent(s) outlining the actions that will be taken by consultant, provider, and parent(s). The plan may include social/emotional and developmental support, behavioral analysis, support for the childcare environment and curriculum, sensory integration support, mental health services, and staff training.

The plan also includes support for parent(s) regarding appropriate child-rearing practices and the need to encourage understanding and mutual support between parents and provider.

The consultant may bring in additional specialized consultants from within the program or refer the family to appropriate specialists, services, and resources in the community.