ECE Consultation for ME

Our Model

ECE Consultation for ME uses Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (IECMHC), a proven approach that focuses on relationships, reflection, and collaboration. Our model blends national best practices with local values, honoring the strengths of families, educators, and communities. It is flexible, family-centered, and designed to promote resilience for children and the adults who care for them.

• Maine-Adapted Model – Blends national best practices with Maine’s culture and community voice.
• Relationship-Based – Built on trust, collaboration, and reflective practice.
• Family-Centered – Respects each family’s strengths, values, and goals.
• Resilience-Focused – Promotes well-being for children and caregivers together.

Mission

Our mission is to strengthen Maine’s early childhood systems by offering IECMHC that is relationship-based, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive. We partner with the adults who care for children birth through 8—to build on their strengths, promote children’s emotional well-being, reduce disparities, and create inclusive environments where everyone can thrive.

• Strengthen Systems – Build capacity across Maine’s early childhood programs.
• Support Caregivers – Partner with adults to nurture children’s social and emotional growth.
• Advance Equity – Ensure access to supportive, inclusive environments for all.
• Promote Well-Being – Focus on resilience and long-term success for children and families.

Vision

We believe meaningful change begins with strong relationships. Every child deserves nurturing environments and responsive caregivers who celebrate their individuality. Our vision is that all children in Maine—regardless of geography, background, or circumstance—have the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. IECMH Consultants walk alongside educators and families to co-create strategies that prevent challenges, strengthen connections, and support resilience.

• Rooted in Relationships – Strong adult-child relationships are the foundation for growth.
• Inclusive for All – Every child deserves supportive environments, no matter their background.
• Family and Educator Partnership – Work together to create solutions that last.
• Resilience and Growth – Support children, families, and communities to thrive long-term.

How We Help

Where Do We Provide Services?

ECE Consultation for ME offers free and voluntary services throughout the state for children birth through 8 in:

• Child Care Centers, Nursery Schools, and Head Starts
• Family Child Care Programs
• Public Schools (Pre-K through 3rd Grade)
• After School Programs (Pre-K through 3rd Grade)

What Services Do We Provide?

IECMH Consultants work side-by-side with administrators, teachers, caregivers, and families to strengthen relationships, routines, and strategies that promote healthy development. Consultation can happen at the child level, classroom/program level, family child care provider level, or systems level.

Who are the Consultants and what do they do?

IECMH Consultants

IECMH Consultants are licensed mental health professionals with specialized training in infant and early childhood mental health consultation who partner with teachers, families, and caregivers to build on existing strengths and co-create strategies that support children’s social and emotional growth. Their role is not to “fix” problems but to walk alongside adults, offering encouragement, reflection, and resources. Consultants focus on helping adults feel more confident, connected, and supported as they nurture children’s well-being.

• Collaborate with Educators and Families - Work side-by-side with teachers, caregivers, and families to highlight strengths and create strategies that fit daily routines.
• Provide Tools and Resources - Share practical supports that strengthen relationships, routines, and classroom environments.
• Encourage Reflection - Offer a supportive space for teachers and caregivers to reflect, celebrate successes, and grow with confidence.
• Connect to Resources - Link families and providers to community supports when extra help is needed.
• Promote Resilience - Focus on practices that build long-term well-being for children, families, and programs.

Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (IECMHC)

Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation or “IECMHC” is a collaborative, relationship-based service that pairs a licensed mental health professional with early childhood educators, caregivers, and programs. The goal is to build the capacity of adults to promote young children’s social, emotional, and behavioral well-being - not by diagnosing or treating children, but by strengthening the environments where they grow and learn.

Training and Consultation Groups

In addition to consultation, IECMH trainings and consultation groups are offered by ECE Consultation for ME.

Topics may include:

• Managing challenging behavior
• Identifying developmentally appropriate behavioral expectations
• Practical strategies for a healthy social emotional classroom climate
• Improving responsiveness of adults to meet the needs of children
• Supporting staff to build effective partnerships with peers and families
• Supporting staff through stress management and self-care

Who can benefit from this?

Teachers, staff, and providers who want to expand their knowledge, connect with peers, and continue to create supportive, inclusive environments for children and families.

When to Request IECMH Consultation

ECE Consultation for ME accepts referrals from providers, administrators, families, and community partners. We prioritize equity and access, ensuring Consultation reaches the children and programs most in need of support.

When everything is OK

Request Consultation to strengthen the positive foundation you’ve already built for the child’s development.

• To reinforce strong routines, practices, and interactions.
• To promote the development of social-emotional skills.
• To ensure your environment continues to nurture healthy development and resilience.
• To get tips for fostering positive relationships with children and their peers.

When you’re worried

Reach out to ECE Consultation for ME when you are concerned or feel uncertain about a child’s behavior, emotions, or interactions.

• If a child is displaying prolonged difficulty adjusting to new environments or transitions.
• When there are signs of mild behavioral changes, such as withdrawal, irritability, or defiance.
• If a child struggles to form relationships or engage in age-appropriate play.
• When caregivers feel unsure about how to address emerging emotional or social concerns.

When you’re overwhelmed

Turn to ECE Consultation for ME when challenges feel unmanageable, and you need guidance, support, and practical strategies to navigate them effectively.

• When challenges like excessive tantrums, aggression, or separation anxiety persist and interfere with daily routines.
• If managing the needs of a child feels beyond your current capacity or resources.
• When relationships between teachers, caregivers, or children feel strained or unbalanced.
• When multiple stressors make it difficult to focus on providing consistent support.

FAQ's

How will ECE Consultation for ME benefit my child or the children in my classroom?

ECE Consultation for ME benefits children by promoting their social and emotional development, helping them build strong relationships, manage emotions, and succeed in their early care and education program or classroom. Through tailored support for caregivers and teachers, Consultation supports a nurturing environment that addresses children’s unique needs and enhances their overall well-being.

What is Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (IECMHC)?

ECE Consultation for ME is Maine's IECMHC program. It is a collaborative, relationship-based service that pairs a licensed mental health professional with early childhood educators, caregivers, and programs. The goal is to build the capacity of adults to promote young children’s social, emotional, and behavioral well-being - not by diagnosing or treating children, but by strengthening the environments where they grow and learn.

Does Consultation replace therapy or special education services?

Consultation is not therapy, diagnosis, or treatment. Instead, it is a preventive and supportive approach that strengthens caregivers’ skills and children’s success in early learning settings. Consultants may also help connect families to additional resources such as Child Development Services (CDS), Help Me Grow, or other community supports when appropriate.

How do we get services?

Referrals can be submitted by providers, administrators, families or community partners -just connect directly with an IECMH Consultant in your area or contact the ECE Consultation for ME Program.

Who initiates the referral?

• Classroom Services: Administrators, directors, or teachers at child care centers, Head Starts, and elementary schools.
• Family Child Care Services: Family child care owners and directors
• Child Services: Parents, providers, teachers, directors, and administrators

Is there a cost for service?

No, there is no cost for services or support. ECE Consultation for ME is a free and voluntary program funded by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Child & Family Services.

What happens after a referral is made?

A Consultant or ECE Consultation for ME program staff member will reach out to gather more information, explain the process, and schedule an initial visit. From there, you’ll work together to set goals and create a consultation plan.

How long does Consultation last?

The length of Consultation depends on the needs of the child, classroom, or program. Some services may last a few weeks, while others extend over several months.

What kinds of challenges can the IECMH Consultation help with?

We support children, classrooms, families and early care & education providers experiencing challenges, including:

• Behavioral concerns (such as aggression, withdrawal, or difficulty following routines)
• Developmental or environmental stressors (such as trauma, transitions, or family challenges)
• Staff stress, burnout, or the need for stronger social-emotional teaching practices

Who are the IECMH Consultants?

Our Consultants are licensed mental health professionals with specialized training in early childhood development and mental health. They are employed through our partner agencies: Community Care, Community Health and Counseling Services, and Sunrise Opportunities.

What more should I know about ECE Consultation for ME?

This program is tailored specifically to Maine. It builds on proven national models but adapts them to meet the needs of Maine’s communities, including rural and high-needs areas.

Why did Maine change from ECCP® to ECE Consultation for ME?

ECE Consultation for ME reflects the valuable lessons we’ve learned through ECCP®, while expanding and enhancing support for providers, educators, and children across all early learning settings.

Over the past several years, ECCP® has helped demonstrate the power of early childhood mental health consultation in supporting young children’s development and provider well-being. As the needs of Maine’s children and early care professionals have evolved, so too must our systems of support. ECE Consultation for ME represents a thoughtful and responsive next step, shaped by input from providers, consultants, and state partners. This transition has allowed us to create a more consistent and accessible consultation system tailored specifically for Maine’s geography, communities, and priorities.

What is the ECE Consultation for ME model of IECMHC?

ECE Consultation for ME:

• Retains all national IECMHC competencies and fidelity standards
• Expands flexibility to adapt services for Maine’s geography, workforce, and system partners
• Provides opportunities to enhance integration and collaboration with child care, public schools, home visiting, Head Start, CDS, and other systems
• Creates new partnership opportunities to strengthen state-level unification of early childhood systems and mental health supports
• Responds directly to the SRI Education Evaluation recommendations and the statewide OCFS Strategic Plan
• Invests in long-term sustainability through streamlined operations and expanded scope
• Keeps children and relationships at the center of all service delivery