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

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

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 Kellie Scott.