Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation

Summary (Newest Update)

Background The State of Delaware's Department of Services for Children, Youth & Their Families (DSCYF), Division of Prevention and Behavioral Health Services (DPBHS) is seeking proposals from individual licensed mental health professionals to provide Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (ECMHC). This initiative aims to enhance the capacity of early learning professionals in supporting social and emotional learning and addressing behavioral concerns for children aged birth to five years. The service is critical due to rising concerns about serious behavior problems among young children, exacerbated by factors such as poverty and race. Work Details The ECMHC service includes intensive onsite consultation, training, coaching, and professional development opportunities across various early learning settings such as childcare centers, family-based childcare programs, preschools, Head Start, and Early Head Start programs. Specific tasks include: 1) Increasing awareness of young children's mental health; 2) Providing program-specific consultation to improve overall quality; 3) Building capacity among caregivers to manage challenging behaviors; 4) Using evidence-based clinical interventions; 5) Educating and training caregivers; 6) Observing children and conducting assessments; 7) Identifying children who may benefit from treatment; 8) Reporting data on services provided; 9) Collaborating with DPBHS evaluators to analyze data on service effectiveness. The contract will cover one full-time consultant for Kent County and one for Sussex County. Period of Performance The contract will begin as soon as possible and extend through September 30, 2027, pending satisfactory performance and availability of funds. Place of Performance Services will be performed in Kent County and Sussex County, Delaware. Bidder Requirements Proposals are only accepted from individually licensed mental health professionals (LCSW, LMFT, LPCMH, Psychologist) with experience working with children aged birth to five. Bidders must have a Master's degree or higher in psychology or a related field. They must hold a Delaware license as a mental health professional at the time of contract execution, possess dependable transportation with a valid driver's license, and demonstrate experience in early childhood development. Successful bidders must also comply with criminal background checks as mandated by Delaware law.