Early Childhood-Transdisciplinary Education and Mental Health (EC-TEaMH)

Advanced Certificate

 

Contacts

Program Questions
[email protected]

Application Questions
[email protected]

Graduate Advisor
Sarah Rieth
[email protected] 

Early Childhood Transdisciplinary Education and Mental Health (EC-TEaMH) is an interdisciplinary program focusing on professional preparation and skills enhancement of early childhood educators who work with young children who demonstrate socio-emotional and behavioral problems and their parents.

The EC-TEaMH Certificate program provides professionals in the field of infant-family and early childhood mental health with the core knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to support the social and emotional development and well-being of infants and young children within the context of their family and culture.

Admissions

Prerequisites

  • Successful completion of a bachelor's degree in Child Development or related field.

For application due dates, instructions, and a full list of required program-specific documents visit:

How to Apply

Program Features

  • 1-year, in-person academic program: 15 graduate credits
  • Courses can be applied towards some graduate degrees
  • 4 foundation courses based on evidence-based practices
  • 2 practicum courses with reflective practice facilitated by experienced clinical supervisors
  • Coursework and supervised practicum aligned with California Compendium of Training Guidelines, Personnel Competencies, and Professional Endorsement Criteria for Infant-Family and Early Childhood Mental Health, 2016
  • Designed for working professionals
  • Gainful Employment Program Disclosure
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Certificate Program Details

The EC-TEaMH Certificate Program is designed for early childhood education professionals. It offers field-based training on effectively addressing and supporting children with behavioral challenges.

Program Focus

The program provides clinically based, professional preparation for early childhood educators who work with young children who have socio-emotional and behavioral issues. It follows Congressional recommendations to instruct and mentor educators in implementing early intervention behavioral support services. Students develop a toolbox of evidence-based strategies to support children and families while also engaging in reflective supervision to enhance self-awareness and facilitate professional development.

Benefits

By completing this program, educators will:

  • Enhance children’s developmental outcomes
  • Reduce the level of risk for young children
  • Lower future intervention costs when children attend school

The program adheres to the California Compendium of Training Guidelines, Personnel Competencies, and Professional Endorsement Criteria for Infant-Family and Early Childhood Mental Health (2016). Students who complete the program are eligible for professional endorsement as a Transdisciplinary Mental Health Practitioner by the California Center for Infant, Family and Early Childhood Mental Health. 

Target Audience

This certificate program is aimed at current and future professionals planning to specialize in early childhood socio-emotional and behavior regulation intervention. It is ideal preparation for students who are considering a future career as a mental health clinician. Potential participants include individuals in the fields of:

  • Early childhood education
  • Special education
  • Counseling
  • School psychology
  • Social work
  • Marriage and family therapy
  • Psychology
  • Related areas

Unit Requirements

15 program units are required to earn the EC-TEaMH Certificate.

  • 12 units of seminar courses addressing core knowledge foundations
  • 3 units of field experience/practicum

Course Overview

Required courses for the certificate will teach students about different theories in child behavior intervention and prevention, positive behavior support for children with challenging behavior, eco-behavioral assessment and intervention, and advanced behavior analysis. This knowledge base will then be applied in the community. Students will complete a total of 120 hours of supervised practicum with young children in San Diego County. The certificate will be earned through completion of the required courses and supervised practicum. The Department of Child and Family Development will work with students to help them earn the certificate within 1 academic year. Courses in the certificate program may be applied to the master’s degree in child development, if applicable (separate application to Master's program required; admission not guaranteed).

Knowledge Area (12 units):

  • CFD 670: Seminar in Human Development Theories Intervention and Prevention (3)
  • CFD 671: Seminar in supporting Early Childhood Mental Health (3)
  • CFD 580: Observation and Assessment of Young Children's Environment and Relationships (3)
  • SPED 676: Advanced Applied Behavior Analysis (3)

Field Experience/Practicum Area (3 units):

  • CFD 697A: Advanced Field Experience (Cr/NC) (3): 120 hours of supervised practicum must be completed over the course of 2 semesters

For detailed course descriptions and more information about graduate studies in the Department of Child and Family Development, review the University Catalog.

Preparation for M.S. Degree

After completion of the EC-TEaMH Certificate, students may wish to pursue further graduate study. Further programs require separate applications and admission is not guaranteed. Accepted students may be able to complete the M.S. in Child Development within 1 additional academic year (2 semesters). The focus of the M.S. in Child Development is on the early years and prevention with an emphasis on parent-child inter-generational relationships and preparation to work with families in need of socio-emotional and behavior support. EC-TEaMH graduates are also invited to apply to the M.S. in Early Childhood and Family Clinical Counseling and pursue clinical licensure as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). However, while the EC-TEaMH content is a strong foundation for the LPCC program, the units from EC-TEaMH do not transfer directly to this course of study. 

A note to SDSU Master of Social Work students

The EC-TEaMH program is now in collaboration with the SDSU School of Social Work! More information on the program will be posted soon. Graduate students in the School of Social Work are invited to take EC-TEaMH courses. For more information about this opportunity, please email Shelly Paule.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Certificate program includes four traditional academic courses (2 per semester; 3 units each) and a 120-hour field experience working directly with young children and families. In addition, there is a seminar-style, small group supervision course that continues across the entire year (3 units across the year). The program is a total of 15 units. 

The EC-TEaMH program is a fully in-person program and requires visits to campus two days per week for classes. The field experience component is also in-person, typically in a preschool or other early care and education setting that involves working directly with children.

The EC-TEaMH Certificate is designed to enhance the professional capabilities of educators and professionals working with young children, particularly those exhibiting socio-emotional and behavioral challenges. It is a great fit for those working as preschool educators, early interventionists, and developmental specialists, as well as case managers and care coordinators type roles. Alumni often continue to jobs in these areas. It is also a fantastic stepping stone for moving towards licensed helping professions such as social work, professional counseling, marriage and family therapy, or other roles directly supporting families. 
Overall, the EC-TEaMH Certificate equips educators with specialized skills in early childhood mental health, making them more competitive candidates for roles that require expertise in supporting children's socio-emotional development. Additionally, completing the program aligns with the California Compendium of Training Guidelines and qualifies graduates for professional endorsement as Transdisciplinary Mental Health Practitioners by the California Center for Infant, Family, and Early Childhood Mental Health.

The EC-TEaMH Certificate is designed for working professionals, such that courses begin at 5pm or later, two days per week. The program operates on a cohort model, and courses occur in a prescribed sequence. There is no flexibility in the specific courses taken, and courses only occur at one time each semester. The schedule is typically set well in advance of each semester and shared with students as early as possible. 

Yes. The program is designed for working professionals, and paid employment directly with children and families can count towards the field experience component of the program. Working full time in a setting that does not include direct interaction with children, however, is often challenging because it is hard to fit in the field experience requirement. Evening and weekend field experience placements are uncommon, and if most/all daytime weekday hours are full with employment, it can be challenging to complete the field experience component. 

A total of 60 hours per semester or 120 hours across the year is required. Students typically complete at least 4-6 hours per week in their field placement to fulfill this requirement. If you are employed in a setting that involves working with young children, we can work together to count your place of employment as your field experience setting. If you are not currently working with young children, we will work with you to secure a volunteer position to meet the field placement requirement.