Diversity Fellow Project, Ehvyn McDaniels
The Intersection of Early Intervention and Childhood Mental Health Consultation
Despite the solid evidence for IECMHC in formal, center-based child care settings, little is known about the potential benefits of IECMHC for providers and children in Family, Friend and Neighbor (FFN) child care arrangements. There are notable distinct features of FFN child care arrangements and the profiles of FFN providers themselves that provide a compelling case for why IEMCHC would be beneficial for children.
The Intersection of Early Intervention and Childhood Mental Health Consultation [download]
Project Narrative
1. Please describe your activities during your Fellowship experience. Describe your final capstone project(s).
I recently completed the Georgetown University Diversity in Early Intervention Fellowship. Throughout the last year, I participated in a variety of service, teaching, research, and training activities. In addition to the research and training activities, I completed the Georgetown University Certificate in Early Intervention program, a nine-month program that prepares evidence-based early intervention providers. In alignment with the Certificate program, I focused my Capstone project on Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation in Family, Friend, and Neighbor Care. Through this project, I participated in research design, completed focus groups, and published a blog, The Intersection of Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation and Early Intervention. I was also a teaching assistant for the Georgetown University undergraduate course, Children with Disabilities. My Fellowship concluded over the summer by attending the National Center on Cultural Competence Leadership Academy in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
2. Who did your project inform, help, influence or impact? (UCEDD, individual, community, state) How?
This project informs early childhood professionals working with children with delays and/or disabilities. There is little research around the intersection of early intervention and early childhood mental health consultation. By exploring the ways in which these two systems of care can work together, we have the opportunity to positively impact the social emotional development of young children from all communities.
3. Why did you choose to work on that project(s)?
I chose early intervention because I feel passionately about working with young children and families. I wanted to draw attention to the youngest, most vulnerable population, as the first few years of life are the most formative. I was very fortunate to work alongside the early childhood team at the Georgetown University Center for Child and Human Development, made up of both early interventionists and early childhood mental health consultants.
4. What did you gain from being a Diversity Fellow?
As a Diversity Fellow, I broadened my understanding of early intervention, conducted research alongside experts in the field, and networked with professionals across the country. Overall, I gained significant insight into how my work impacts families each and everyday and grew in my career as an early interventionist.
5. How will this experience impact your education or career decisions?
This Fellowship challenged me to rethink how I work with children and families and what my role is within the system of care. My Fellowship afforded me many opportunities to explore different environments, analyze data, and gain practical experience. As a result of this experience, I have a clear idea of what I would like my career in the field to look like and what steps I need to take to get there.
6. What are your future goals? Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
Five years from now, I hope to be working with young children and families as a licensed clinical social worker. In order to reach this goal, I plan to return to school to obtain a Master's degree in clinical social work with a focus on infant and child mental health.
7. What recommendations do you have for other Fellows?
My recommendation for other Fellows is to attend all the AUCD conferences during their time as a Diversity Fellow. I felt that the conferences were a great opportunity to reflect on the work I had accomplished as a Fellow as well as gain perspective on what other fellows were working on. The AUCD community is extremely supportive and provides Fellows with countless opportunities to grow, reflect, and connect with one another.