Early Childhood

UTACCS has expanded its focus to include the provision of behavioral health care services to children birth to 8 years of age, known as Early Childhood (EC).  Through the State Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems (ECCS) project, UTACCS collaborates on early childhood systems with the Utah Department of Health (UDOH) in supporting mental health consultation strategies with particular attention to child-centered and program-focused approaches. UDOH encourages the use of evidence-based practices in early childhood in training methods, programs, and practitioner focus. UDOH conducted a study of the Children’s Mental Health Promotion in Utah: An Analysis of Children’s Mental Health System Capacity and Workforce Development.  The study concluded that, under the current fiscal constraints, the best way to build system capacity and develop the mental health workforce is to provide training to mental health care providers.  The study also concluded that the provision of training and support will promote the development of a highly skilled mental health workforce and improve the existing systems of care.  Following are various articles and documents relating to EC behavioral health care provision.

Early Childhood Resources

• Diagnostic Classification 0-3: Diagnostic Classification of Mental Health and Developmental Disorders of Infancy and Early Childhood.
  

• Children's Mental Health Promotion  In Utah: An Analysis of Children's Mental Health System Capacity and Workforce Development
  

• Technical Assistance Center on Social Emotional Intervention
  

    

• The National Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center 
  

• Utah Association for Infant Mental Health

• Assuring Better Child Health and Development Resource Center

•  "Psychotherapy with Infants and Young Children: Repairing the Effects of Stress and Trauma on Early Attachment" (Lieberman, A.F., & Van Horn, P.) - Book Review

Related Information

• Promising Practices in Early Childhood Mental Health
• Preschool and Childcare Expulsion and Suspension: Rates and Predictors in One State
  
• Early Childhood Consultation Partnership: Results of a Random Controlled Evaluation
  
• Implementing Policies to Reduce The Likelihood of Preschool Expulsion
  
• Project BEST
  
• Reducing the Risk for Preschool Expulsion: Mental Health Consultation for Young Children With Challenging Behaviors
  
• Strengthening Families Through Early Care and Education