Links

Links

ICECMHC Partners

Social/Emotional Development

  • Foundation for Child Development (Opens in new tab) (Opens in new tab) is a national, private philanthropy dedicated to research, policy development, and advocacy based on the principle that all families should have the social and material resources to raise their children to be healthy, educated and productive members of their communities. Currently, FCD supports three programs: PreK-3rd Education (3-4 year-olds through third grade), Child Well-Being Index (all children), and New American Children (birth to age 10 living in low-income immigrant families).
  • Center on the Developing Child – Harvard University (Opens in new tab) (Opens in new tab) generates, translates, and applies knowledge in the service of improving life outcomes for children in the United States and throughout the world. Specifically, the Center is committed to building a unified science of health, learning, and behavior to explain the early roots of lifelong impairments; leading the design, implementation, and evaluation of innovative program and practice models that reduce preventable disparities in well-being; catalyzing the implementation of effective, science-based public policies through strategic relationships and knowledge transfer; and preparing future and current leaders to build and leverage knowledge that promotes the healthy development of children and families and brings high returns to all of society.
  • ZERO TO THREE (Opens in new tab) (Opens in new tab) is a national, nonprofit organization that informs, trains, and supports professionals, policymakers, and parents in their efforts to promote the health and development of infants and toddlers and improve their lives.

Early Childhood Mental Health

  • Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health (Opens in new tab) (Opens in new tab) is a national family-run organization linking more than 120 chapters and state organizations focused on the issues of children and youth with emotional, behavioral, or mental health needs and their families. The National Federation works to develop and implement policies, legislation, funding mechanisms, and service systems that utilize the strengths of families. Its emphasis on advocacy offers families a voice in the formation of national policy, services and supports for children with mental health needs and their families.
  • Family Connections (Opens in new tab) (Opens in new tab) at Boston Children’s Hospital is an initiative to support early childhood programs in their mental health outreach to families facing adversities, particularly parental depression. Family Connections provides supportive educational materials and services.
  • Georgetown University Center for Child and Human Development (GUCCHD) (Opens in new tab) (Opens in new tab) GUCCHD’s mission is to improve the quality of life for all children and youth, children with special needs, adults with developmental and other disabilities, and their families. Through direct   service, training, research, community outreach, technical assistance, and public policy, GUCCHD works to influence local, national, and international programs and policy including critical social issues such as poverty, health and mental health inequities, homelessness, violence, and literacy. The GUCCHD has provided leadership and expanded knowledge to improve systems, practice, and outcomes for young children, children and youth with special health care and mental health needs and their families, and individuals with developmental disabilities.
  • National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) (Opens in new tab) (Opens in new tab) brings a singular and comprehensive focus to childhood trauma. NCTSN’s collaboration of frontline providers, researchers, and families is committed to raising the standard of care while increasing access to services. Combining knowledge of child development, expertise in the full range of child traumatic experiences, and dedication to evidence-based practices, the NCTSN changes the course of children’s lives by changing the course of their care.
  • Research & Training Center on Family Support and Children’s Mental Health (RTC) (Opens in new tab) (Opens in new tab) The Center was dedicated to promoting effective community-based, culturally competent, family-centered services for families and their children who are, or may be affected by mental, emotional or behavioral disorders. This goal was accomplished through collaborative research partnerships with family members, service providers, policy makers, and other concerned persons. Although funding for the Center ended September 30, 2009, publications and other products of the Research and Training Center on Family Support and Children’s Mental Health can be accessed through The Rehabilitation Research and Training Center for Pathways to Positive Futures website (Opens in new tab) (Opens in new tab)

Expectant Families

  • Post Partum Support International (PSI) (Opens in new tab) (Opens in new tab) works to increase awareness among public and professional communities about the emotional changes that women experience during pregnancy and postpartum; disseminating information and resources through its volunteer coordinators, website and annual conference. Its goal is to provide current information, resources, education, and to advocate for further research and legislation to support perinatal mental health.
  • National Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition (NHHB) (Opens in new tab) (Opens in new tab) is a recognized leader and resource in maternal and child health, reaching  health care professionals, parents, and policymakers through its membership of local, state and national organizations and through partnerships among community groups, nonprofits, professional associations, businesses and government agencies. HMHB’s mission is to improve the health and safety of mothers, babies and families through educational materials and collaborative partnerships.

Early Care and Education

  • National Association for the Education of  Young Children (NAEYC) (Opens in new tab) (Opens in new tab) NAEYC is the world’s largest membership organization working on behalf of young children from birth through age 8 to set standards of excellence for programs and teachers in early childhood education. NAEYC is known for its workshops and conferences, publications, position statements, and resources for early education providers, families, and affiliated professionals.
  • Office of Child Care (Opens in new tab) (Opens in new tab) The Office of Child Care (OCC), in the Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services supports low-income working families through child care financial assistance and promotes children’s learning by improving the quality of early care and education and afterschool programs. The Office of Child Care was established in September 2010 and replaces the former Child Care Bureau.
  • Office of Head Start, Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center (ECLKC)  (Opens in new tab) (Opens in new tab)The Office of Head Start, in the Administration for children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services promotes the school readiness of children ages birth to five from low-income families by enhancing their cognitive, social, and emotional development. Head Start programs provide comprehensive services to enrolled children and their families, which include health, nutrition, social, and other services determined to be necessary by family needs assessments, in addition to education and cognitive development services. Head Start services are designed to be responsive to each child and family’s ethnic, cultural, and linguistic heritage. ECLKC also have information at:

Cultural Competence

Research and Evaluation

  • Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation (OPRE) (Opens in new tab) (Opens in new tab) is a unit within the Administration for Children and Families(ACF) focused on increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of programs to improve the economic and social well-being of children and families. OPRE provides guidance, analysis, technical assistance, and oversight to ACF programs on: strategic planning; performance measurement; research and evaluation methods; statistical, policy, and program analysis; and synthesis and dissemination of research and demonstration findings – including child care, Head Start, Early Head Start and other programs.
  • Research and Training Center on Early Childhood Development Center for Evidence-Based Practice (RTC) (Opens in new tab) (Opens in new tab) The major aim of the RTC on early childhood development is to implement a coordinated and advanced program of applied research on knowledge and practice that improves interventions associated with the healthy mental, behavioral, communication, preliteracy, social-emotional, and interpersonal development of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers with or at risk for developmental disabilities. The web site is designed specifically for parents, therapists, early childhood educators, and early interventionists, as well as researchers. The web site includes information about effective early childhood intervention practices based on research.

Early Childhood Policy and Service Systems

  • American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) (Opens in new tab) (Opens in new tab) an organization of pediatricians committed to the optimal physical, mental, and social health and well-being for all infants, children, adolescents, and young adults, offering various resources that focus on professional development, research, publications, and specialty topic areas, including mental health.
  • Bright Futures (Opens in new tab) (Opens in new tab) is a national initiative designed to advance child health, development and well-being. Bright Futures materials as well as additional resources specific to social and emotional development can be used with child care providers, home visitors, social workers, and other professionals who provide services to children and families in homes and community settings
  • National Center for Children in Poverty (Opens in new tab) (Opens in new tab) (NCCP) is the nation’s leading public policy center dedicated to promoting the economic security, health, and well-being of America’s low-income families and children. NCCP uses research to inform policy and practice with the goal of ensuring positive outcomes for the next generation. We promote family-oriented solutions at the state and national levels including those that focus on family economic security; strong, nurturing families; and healthy child development
  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) (Opens in new tab) (Opens in new tab) provides leadership and devotes its resources – programs, policies, information and data, contracts and grants- toward helping the Nation act on the knowledge that: Behavioral health is essential for health; prevention works; treatment is effective; and people recover from mental and substance use disorders
    • Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) (Opens in new tab) (Opens in new tab) leads Federal efforts to treat mental illnesses by promoting mental health and by preventing the development or worsening of mental illness when possible, including those that impact young children and their families.  National Resource for Evidence-based Practices
    • Project LAUNCH (Opens in new tab) (Opens in new tab) provides grants to states, tribes and territories to promote the wellness of young children birth to age 8 through implementation of evidence-based practices and programs in a public health system that meets the comprehensive needs of young children and their families in their designated communities, including young children and ECMH consultation services.
  • The Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP) (Opens in new tab) (Opens in new tab): In the area of child care and early education, CLASP works to promote policies that support both child development and the needs of low-income working parents. CLASP supports policies that expand resources for child care and early education initiatives at the federal, state, and local levels.  CLASP also studies the relationships between child care subsidy systems, Head Start and Early Head Start, state pre-kindergarten programs, and other birth to five early education efforts, to advance ideas that ensure these systems address the full range of needs of children and families. For example, see: Frequently Asked Questions About Using Title I of ESEA for Early Education (Opens in new tab) (Opens in new tab)

Professional Development

  • Erickson Institute (Opens in new tab) (Opens in new tab) is an independent institution of higher education that prepares child development and family service professionals for leadership. Through its academic programs, applied research, and community service and engagement, Erikson advances the ability of practitioners, researchers, and decision makers to improve life for children and their families.
  • Michigan – Association for Infant Mental Health  (Opens in new tab) (Opens in new tab)MI-AIMH promotes and supports nurturing relationships for all infants that are essential for optimal social, emotional and cognitive growth. MI-AIMH supports and advocates for early intervention in policy, practice, training and advocacy; providing specialized training for infant mental health professionals and  have influenced professional development efforts across the country.

Technical Assistance

 Key Resources/Publications:

This product was developed [in part] under grant number 1H79SM082070-01 from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The views, policies and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of SAMHSA or HHS.