Early childhood family mental health Credential (ECFMHC)
Infant Mental Health is an evidence-based field having a family-centered, strengths-based, holistic, multi-disciplinary, inclusive focus that works to strengthen the emotional, physical, social, and cognitive wellbeing of children from 0-5 years of age and their caregivers.
Infant Mental Health Services include the following components:
● Concrete Assistance
● Emotional support
● Developmental guidance
● Early relationship assessment and support
● Advocacy
The New Hampshire Association for Infant Mental Health (NHAIMH) supports early childhood professionals in achieving Infant Mental Health credentials and competencies. The following principles guide our practice.
The ECFMHC Credential validates experience, commitment, and competence in the fields of Early Childhood and Mental Health. Explore the level that is right for you!
Foundational - New!
Designed for entry-level workers without a bachelor’s degree, who provide direct services to young children and families in educational, mental health, and community programs with supervision. These early childhood and mental health professionals hold an associate's degree in early childhood, mental health, or a related field and have completed the required ECFMH learning modules as part of the credentialing program.
Intermediate
Appropriate for direct support providers in childcare, education, health, special education, or mental health and professionals from other related fields. Qualified personnel provide ongoing services and support to particular children and families, addressing their mental health needs in a more self-directed way than personnel at the Foundational Level. They generally act independently and review their decisions and actions with a supervisor.
Advanced
Appropriate for licensed/certified professionals providing supervision, consultation, and training about mental health issues. Qualified personnel provide may or may not directly provide service and supports to particular children and families. They may create policies, programs and/or resources for mental health.
Reflective Practice Consultants
Appropriate for those who exceed Advanced credential requirements and offer ECFMH-specific consultation to Intermediate and Advanced level candidates. RPCs support the development of reflective capacity in people pursuing their credential through facilitating a reflective practice group and support the acquisition of skills and knowledge through the sharing of information, experience and resources.
How can I get it?
Qualified candidates must meet the education and experience for the level for which they are applying, engage in 24 hours of approved reflective practice, and meet competencies specific to the credential for which they are applying. The credential is awarded for three years, and renewal is easy.
If you have questions or want more information, contact us at NHAIMH@gmail.com
→ Who in NH has this credential?
Forms & Documents
Levels and Competencies
Early Childhood Family Mental Health Credential - Elements: Intermediate and Advanced Levels
Reflective Practice Consultants
Reflective Practice Consultant Requirements
Reflective Practice Consultant Letter of Commitment
Renewal - Credentials expire after three years. Use the following documentation to renew. Consult the Early Childhood Family Mental Health Credential - Elements: Intermediate and Advanced Levels document (above) for criteria.
Early Childhood Family Mental Health Credential Application
Early Childhood Family Mental Health Credential Renewal Addendum
Quotes from Program evaluations:
“This was the best professional development activity I’ve ever engaged in. I highly recommend it.”
“Wonderful opportunity for PD and helped me to address areas of competency in a unique way.”