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Course Overview

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to intergenerational frameworks and approaches in infant and early childhood mental health (IECMH) through six modules that emphasize inclusive, culturally sustaining, strengths-based, anti-ableist, and justice-oriented approaches within New Mexico’s systems and communities. The following topics in the course were developed by New Mexico early childhood leaders and experts in education and health/human services across the state:
  • Development and Context explores attachment, emotional literacy, and the influence of families, culture, and environments
  • Risk and Resilience highlights protective relationships, trauma, and everyday practices that strengthen coping and well-being
  • Assessment emphasizes ethical, family-centered approaches to screening, referrals, and supportive communication
  • Diagnostic Relationships examines caregiver–child dynamics and relational frameworks that shape early development
  • Intervention and Prevention Strategies reviews evidence-based practices, trauma-informed supports, and community collaboration
  • Infant Mental Health in Context situates IECMH within health, education, and social systems, emphasizing advocacy and policy perspectives 
Through applied activities, case studies, and engagement with local resources, participants connect theory to practice and develop strategies to assess, support, and advocate for infants, young children, and their families, with the goal of promoting resilience, reducing exclusionary practices, and advancing well-being across diverse early childhood programs and systems.

What You'll Learn

  • A clear understanding of how infant and early childhood mental health is shaped by intergenerational experiences, family histories, culture, and community contexts in New Mexico
  • Practical strategies to strengthen resilience and address risk across generations, including ways to support caregiver–child relationships and respond to trauma in developmentally appropriate and culturally sustaining ways
  • Skills to use assessment, diagnostic, and intervention tools in ways that empower families, reduce stigma, and connect children and caregivers to supports available within New Mexico’s early childhood systems of care
  • The ability to link everyday practices with broader systems and policies, preparing them to advocate for inclusive, anti-ableist, and justice-oriented approaches to infant mental health across health, education, and social service sectors

Who Should Attend

This course is designed for professionals who work with young children and their families in New Mexico, including those in early intervention, early childhood special education, pediatrics, home visiting, childcare, health care, counseling, and family support services, who wish to strengthen their understanding of infant and early childhood mental health (IECMH).

It is especially intended for practitioners, administrators, and community partners who recognize a gap in their IECMH knowledge but may not have the time or resources to pursue formal endorsement or traditional academic coursework. The course offers a flexible, practice-focused introduction to IECMH that can be directly applied in diverse early childhood settings.

Additional Information

EARLY CHILDHOOD COMPETENCY HOURS
10 hours Child Growth, Development, and Learning; 2 hours Health, Safety, and Nutrition; 7 hours Family and Community Collaboration; 3 hours Developmentally Appropriate Content; 3 hours Learning Environment and Curriculum Implementation; 5 hours Assessment of Children and Evaluation.
 
Must receive an 80% or better on all knowledge checks to receive a Certificate of Completion.
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Enroll Now - Select a section to enroll in

Type
Self-paced
Dates
Start Now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled.
Delivery Options
Online Self-Paced  
Course Fee(s)
Fee non-credit $375.00
CEUs
4.2 CEUs
Drop Request Deadline
No drop request allowed after enrollment
Transfer Request Deadline
No transfer request allowed after enrollment
Instructor(s)

Section Notes

4.2 hours for Mental Health Practitioners and 30 hours for Early Childhood Competencies.
Participants will have 180 days from date of enrollment to complete the course.

UNM Tuition Remission

UNM Staff, Faculty, and Retirees: This course is Tuition Remission eligible under Professional Development. For more information, visit the UNM Tuition Remission information page. To see UNM HR's Tuition Remission for eligibility and tax liabilities, click here

This course is offered through UNM College of Education & Human Sciences. Programs are UNM tuition remission eligible.

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