Training Academy: Supporting Infant Mental Health in Prevention-Focused Practice

Supporting Infant Mental Health in Prevention-Focused Practice     (20-hour Series)

This 20-hour professional development course equips prevention professionals with essential knowledge and practical strategies for supporting infant and early childhood mental health in their work. Through guided reflective journaling and collaborative discussion, participants explore foundational Infant Mental Health principles. Using a combination of theoretical frameworks, hands-on applications, and structured reflection exercises, professionals learn to recognize how babies communicate their needs, understand the critical role of relationships in early development, and implement strategies that promote healthy social-emotional growth. Designed for infant-family professionals working with children ages 0-6, this training helps practitioners develop sustainable reflective practices that enhance their ability to respond sensitively to the unique needs of the children and families they serve. 

Trainer: Alexandra Alfonso, Psy.D, PMH-C, IMH-E®

Dr. Alfonso is a bilingual/bicultural Licensed Psychologist that has been working with young children and their families for over 10 years. Dr. Alfonso serves as the Clinical Supervisor and Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health Lead for Citrus Health Network's Early Childhood Development program. Dr. Alfonso's expertise includes social emotional skill development, school readiness, relationship based interventions, trauma informed care, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, teacher/caregiver trainings, and reflective supervision

Location: This training will be held online via Zoom.

Zoom link info will be sent to paid registrants several times beginning one week before the training begins.

Open to all FAIMH members and non-members interested in building foundational infant and early childhood mental health knowledge. This training is designed with professionals in mind whose work supports infants, young children, and their families, including Early Intervention Provider, Infant/Toddler Coach, Home Visitor, Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant, Child Welfare Case Manager, CourtAppointed Special Advocate (CASA), Program Administrators and more. 

Endorsement: 

This training may meet up to 20 of the 30 hours of training in infant and early childhood mental health competencies needed to support your preparation for earning or renewing the Florida Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Endorsement®.

Schedule & Agenda

**Note: This 20-hour training experience held over 4 months on Tuesday mornings.

Time: 9:00-11:00 AM (ET), 8:00–10:00 AM (CT), 7:00–9:00 AM (MT), 6:00–8:00 AM (PT)

Session 1: Tuesday November 10th 

Introduction to Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health 

Session 2: Tuesday November 17th 

Keeping the Baby at the Center

Session 3: Tuesday December 1st 

Understanding Behavior and Development

Session 4: Tuesday December 8th

The Relationship Is the Most Powerful Tool In Your Toolbox

Session 5 : Tuesday December 15th 

When Relationships Are Disrupted — Loss, Stress, and the Developing Brain

Session 6: Tuesday January 5th 

Recognizing When a Child Needs More

Session 7: Tuesday January 12th 

Understanding Families — Strengths, Dynamics, and Relationships

Session 8: Tuesday January 19th 

The Perinatal Period

Session 9: Tuesday January 26th 

We All Have Blind Spots

Session 10: Tuesday February 2nd 

Reflective Practice Is Not Optional — It Is the Work

Registration: 

20-hour Training Experience Agency + Training members : Free Slots Available for more information to register email Training Coordinator Jamie Dolan at training@faimh.org

20-hour Training Experience for FAIMH Members: $350

20-hour Training Experience for Non-Members: $450

Need CEUs?

Psychologist, social workers, marriage and family therapists, and mental health counselors attend the full series and get CEUs for free! 

Certificates 

Certificate: Upon successful completion of full series a certificate of completion will be earned. 

CEUs:

Continuing education (20 hours) will be awarded for each session attended in the What Every Child Needs series for licensed clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists, and mental health counselors who register with a CE ticket. Continuing education credits are provided by the Florida Association for Infant Mental Health, an approved continuing education provider for the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling (CE Provider #50-30846).

Continuing education (20 hours) will be awarded for each session attended in the What Every Child Needs series for psychologists who register with a CE ticket. Continuing education credits are provided by the Florida Association for Infant Mental Health, an approved continuing education provider for the Florida Board of Psychology (CE Provider #50-30846).

Technology Requirements:

To ensure the best possible experience for all participants, the program relies on online video conferencing, which has minimum requirements to work properly. You will need a desktop or laptop computer with speakers, microphone, and webcam, and a high-speed internet connection. Laptops work best because they come with all the necessary equipment and can easily be moved from room to room in your home or office to find a quiet place.

• Review the system requirements for the Zoom online meeting platform
• Try out a test meeting
• Test your audio and video in the meeting

View our Training Academy Policy on attendance, payment, cancellation and more.

Questions? Email us.