The undergraduate certificate in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health is for individuals interested in working with families with infants and young children. Students will explore theoretical and evidence-based information underlying infant and early childhood mental health and be introduced to basic assessment and intervention approaches from a socioecological perspective by taking into consideration developmental, contextual, cultural, relationship, and systemic factors influencing infant and early childhood mental health.
Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of this certificate, students will be able to:
- Explain theories, research, and definitions related to infant and early childhood socioemotional development and mental health.
- Synthesize concepts of responsive caregiving, challenges in family dynamics, and atypical and typical patterns of child development.
- Implement knowledge of infant and early childhood mental health for screening, assessment, and observations in applied settings.
- Evaluate evidence-based practices and interventions for inclusion of infants and young children with socioemotional or behavioral health differences and from diverse familial and cultural contexts.
Effective Fall 2025
Additional coursework may be required due to prerequisites. A minimum of 9 credits must be upper division. Other related courses may be substituted upon approval of the certificate advisor. A maximum of 6 credits may double-count with all concentrations in the HDFS Major, the Certificate in Disability & Neurodiversity, the HDFS Minor, and the Major in Early Childhood Education.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses: | ||
| HDFS 310 | Infant and Child Development in Context | 3 |
| HDFS 318 | Baby Steps-Development from 0-3 Years | 3 |
| HDFS 410 | Wonder Years-Socioemotional Journey Ages 3-8 | 3 |
| Select 3 credits from the following: | 3 | |
| Lifespan Development (GT-SS3) | ||
| Creative Experiences for Children | ||
| Disabilities in Early Childhood Education | ||
| General Psychology (GT-SS3) | ||
| Program Total Credits: | 12 | |