Program requirements

To receive the credential, you must:

    1. Successfully complete the required online courses listed below.
    2. Complete and submit the Credential Completion Form. Application submission cost: $15. This is an online form. Be prepared to pay via credit card.
    3. Your application will be reviewed. Upon verification, a certificate will be mailed to you.

If you successfully completed any of the required courses prior to January 2018:  You may apply them toward the credential. However, please note we cannot guarantee that all knowledge components required to earn Category II Endorsement® will be represented. You will need to work with your state’s Endorsement Board® to determine if you have met the requirements.

Coursework

Each online course builds on the learning from the previous course. We strongly recommend that candidates take the coursework in the order below. The online courses below can also be taken as stand-alone courses. You do not need to pursue the credential to register.

Introduction to Infant Mental Health

Get an introduction to infant mental health principles. Learn about the risk and protective factors that influence development. Gain an understanding of the unique experiences of infants and caregivers, and how to use observation and reflective practice in your work with families.

Understanding Early Social and Emotional Development Using an Infant Mental Health Lens (Part 1)

Learn how to use an infant mental health framework to understand the social and emotional development of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Understand how different kinds of early experiences – positive, stressful, and traumatic – impact social and emotional development at different ages and over time. In this course, you’ll have an opportunity to apply what you learn in practice.

Module 1: Using an Infant Mental Health Lens & Cultural Considerations
Module 2: Early Childhood Brain Development
Module 3: Attachment and the Role of Relationships
Module 4: Self-Regulation and Executive Function
Module 5: Using What We Know in Observation and Assessment

Understanding Early Social and Emotional Development Using an Infant Mental Health Lens (Part 2)

Learn how to use an infant mental health framework to understand the social and emotional development of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Understand how different kinds of early experiences – positive, stressful, and traumatic – impact social and emotional development at different ages and over time. In this course, you’ll have an opportunity to apply what you learn in practice.

Module 1: Development of the Infant, Toddler, and Preschooler–A Review
Module 2: Emotional Regulation & Social Skills
Module 3: Trauma & Development
Module 4: Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Module 5: From Knowing to Being & Doing

Working with Parents: Using Infant Mental Health Principles to Support Special Populations

Explore the role of parents and parent-child relationships on child development. Examine interdisciplinary childhood mental health principles and strategies for working with parents of young children. Learn how early childhood mental health research informs work with parents with mental illness, chemical dependency, trauma, cognitive delays, and those who face other adversities.

RIOS™ 1: Using the RIOS™ Framework for Reflective Supervision (short course)

In this 3-week online course, develop a foundation of knowledge about Reflective Supervision/Consultation in infant mental health. The course uses the Reflective Interaction Observation Scale (RIOS™) as a framework. We recommend completing this short course before starting Reflective Supervision/Consultation.

Check out our other stand-alone online courses.