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The intent of the KAIMH Endorsement (IMH-E®) is to recognize and document the development of infant and family professionals within an organized system of culturally sensitive, relationship-based, infant mental health learning and work experiences. Endorsement by the Kansas Association for Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health (KAIMH) will verify that an applicant has attained a level of education as specified, participated in specialized in-service trainings, worked with guidance from mentors or supervisors, and acquired knowledge to promote the delivery of high quality, culturally sensitive, relationship-focused services to infants, toddlers, parents, other caregivers and families. The KAIMH Endorsement (IMH-E®) will provide information of significant benefit to employers, referral sources, and the courts seeking expert witnesses related to the social and emotional development of infants and young children and their families. Of additional importance, the KAIMH Endorsement (IMH-E®) will be useful in developing individual professional development plans.
Prerequisite Requirements
- Membership in KAIMH or another IMH association
- Training/Education as specified and related to infants, toddlers, parents, other caregivers and families
- Experience working with infants, toddlers, parents, other caregivers and families.
There are five steps to the Endorsement (IMH-E®) process:
- Inquiry
- Preliminary Application (download a copy by clicking here)
- Preparation of a Portfolio
- Documentation of Competencies
- Endorsement
KAIMH encourages continuing professional growth and development for all members. The Association requires professionals who have successfully completed the KAIMH Endorsement (IMH-E®) at all levels to continue membership in KAIMH or another IMH association and to participate annually in 15 hours of culturally sensitive, relationship-based training experiences that promote infant mental health. KAIMH memberships can be purchased or renewed at www.kaimh.org
Preparation of a Professional Portfolio
- KAIMH Endorsement (IMH-E®) Portfolio Check List
The candidate’s professional portfolio will include:
- Signed Code of Ethics
- Signed Endorsement Agreement
- Official transcripts (envelopes sealed) from each college/university attended
- Three sealed reference rating forms
- Hard copy of E-form: a template for compiling a list of specialized work, in-service training, and (for Levels II, III, & IV-Clinical) reflective supervision/consultation experiences
- Endorsement fee
- Documentation of membership in MI-AIMH or other IMH association
- Completed portfolios are comprehensively reviewed by at least two volunteers who are either members of the Endorsement Committee and/or have earned Endorsement (IMH-E®). Portfolio reviews are based closely on the competencies identified at the level at which the candidate has applied. Candidates at Level III & IV will need to successfully complete the endorsement exam after the portfolio has been reviewed and approved. Information about upcoming examination dates and locations can be found at Exams (Endorsement).
Levels of Competency
The Kansas Association for Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health invites infant and family service providers who work in a variety of ways with infants, toddlers, caregivers and families to consider the KAIMH Endorsement. The endorsement design is inclusive and encourages participation and professional development at multiple levels:
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Kansas Association for Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health – Levels of Competency
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Level 1
Infant Family Associate
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Level 2
Infant Family Specialist
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Level 3
Infant Mental Health Specialist
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Level 4
Infant Mental Health Mentor
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Educational Degrees earned
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CDA or Associate’s degree or two years early childhood experience
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Bachelor’s or Master’s degree
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Master’s or Post-Graduate degree
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Master’s, Post Graduate, Doctorate, Post Doctorate or MD
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Work Experience
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Two years in the infant, early childhood and family field
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Two years in the infant, early childhood and family field
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Two years post-master’s work in the infant, early childhood and family field
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Three years post-master’s work in the infant, early childhood and family field
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In-service Training
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Minimum 30 hours
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Minimum 30 hours
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Minimum 30 hours
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Minimum 30 hours
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Signed Code of Ethics
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Yes
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Yes
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Yes
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Yes
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Reflective Supervision and/or Consultation
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N/A
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Minimum 24 clock hours within a 2 year time frame
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Minimum 50 clock hours within a 2 year time frame
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Minimum 50 clock hours within a 2 year time frame
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Reference Ratings
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3 (at least 1 must meet requirements for Endorsement at Level 2, 3 or 4)
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3 (at least 1 must meet requirements for Endorsement at Level 2, 3 or 4)
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3 (at least 1 must be from supervisor/ consultant guiding reflective practice)
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3 (clinical leader: at least 1 must be from supervisor/ consultant guiding reflective practice)
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Written Exam
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No
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No
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Yes
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Yes
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Service Examples include but are not limited to the following jobs
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Promotion
Childcare professional, play group leader, Doula
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Prevention/Intervention
Home visitor, family service coordinator, NICU nurse, parent educator, child care consultant, child protective service worker
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Intervention/Treatment
Mental health clinician/supervisor, infant mental health specialist, clinical nurse practioner, lactation consultant, early intervention specialist
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Leadership
Infant and family program supervisor, administrator, researcher, faculty member, policy specialist, physician
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The Cost of Endorsement
Candidates for the Endorsement program are required to be members of the Kansas Association for Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health or another state infant mental health association. In addition, the Endorsement applicant will also be pay an application fee at the time of submitting a preliminary application and an endorsement fee that is paid when their portfolio is submitted for review. The chart below shows the application fee and endorsement fee for each Endorsement Level.
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Endorsement Fee Schedule
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Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4
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Application $15.00 $15.00 $15.00 $15.00
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Fee
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Endorsement $25.00 $50.00 $200.00 $300.00
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Fee
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Total Fee $40.00 $65.00 $215.00 $315.00
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Annual Renewal of Endorsement
In order to renew the KAIMH Endorsement® annually, the following is required:
- On-going membership in KAIMH or another infant mental health association
- 15 clock hours of training related to culturally-sensitive, relationship-focused practice promoting infant mental health
KAIMH also strongly recommends that professionals at Level II, III, & IV (Clinical) receive on-going reflective supervision/consultation.
Endorsement renewal is due at the time of membership renewal, by the end of January of each year. For those who earned endorsement in 2009, specialized in-service training hours received in 2010 are due by Jan 31, 2011. To renew membership, please go to www.kaimh.org. For endorsement, memberships must be individual, not organizational.
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