There is now no doubt that the experiences children have in their early years set the stage for their later mental and physical health, and life outcomes. Those working with young children play an important role in ensuring tamariki receive the emotional, social, relational and behavioural support they need to succeed at school - and in life.

Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation - or ECMHC - is an emerging area of professional development and support for the children’s workforce: both in ECE settings and with others working with young children.

In my ECMHC work I partner with a setting or organisation to build capacity and enhance best practice of working with young children.  Consultation can focus on one child, particular behaviours, and/or wider issues affecting the entire setting or organisation. This work is collaborative and individually tailored to the needs of the child, their family, and/or the setting or organisation. 

My consultation work is flexible depending on the setting or organisation and might include:

• reflective supervision for staff

• skilled observations using a child mental health lens

• individualised plans for working with particular children and/or difficult-to-manage behaviours

• early identification of young children with or at risk for mental health challenges, and sign-posting to services

• evidence-informed information sheets on particular areas of child development, child mental health and/or challenges when working with young children

• professional development around early childhood development, child mental health concepts and issues, and relationship-building with tamariki and whānau.