The Pennsylvania Key Infant-Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (IECMHC) program is expanding its services to now include school-age children, teachers, and families in need of mental health counseling. This new service, known as School Age Child Care (SACC) Mental Health Consultation, is designed to provide support to Keystone STARS programs dealing with children who are struggling with behavior, attachment, peer relationships, or emotion regulation. Additionally, the program aims to help teachers and families with issues related to self-care, stress, and coping.
SACC Mental Health Consultation is now available for appointments statewide, with mental health consultants offering consultations via telephone or video conference. The program takes a problem-solving and collaborative approach to develop goals and strategies for addressing child social-emotional concerns, behavioral or developmental concerns, emotional well-being of teachers and caregivers, and partnering with families. These services are open to child care professionals, including teachers, directors, and staff in center or group-based child care programs participating in Keystone STARS school-age child care programs.
Those interested in scheduling a consultation with a mental health consultant can register online. Upon registration, individuals will receive an email confirmation with appointment details and a Zoom link invitation for the video appointment if they choose the virtual option. Registration will remain open until the day before the scheduled consultation date.
The SACC Mental Health Consultation program aims to provide much needed support to schools dealing with increasing numbers of students who require mental health services. This expansion of services will help address the growing demand for mental health support among children and families alike.
In addition to providing mental health support for students and their families
