At the Y, we believe every young child deserves a strong start in a safe and nurturing learning environment. Our Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (IECMHC) team partners with preschools and early learning centers to strengthen classroom climate, reduce challenging behaviors, and support children’s healthy social and emotional development.
Our consultants don’t work directly with children—instead, we focus on the adults who care for them. Through regular classroom visits, coaching, and reflective conversations, we equip teachers and caregivers with the tools, confidence, and strategies they need to create calm, connected, and responsive environments where every child can thrive.
Our SCHOOL-BASED Services
- Weekly classroom visits from a trained consultant
- Collaborative observations of classroom environments and routines
- Reflective coaching for teachers and aides
- Behavior support planning co-designed with staff and families
- Practical strategies for transitions, regulation, and peer connection
- Family partnership to ensure consistency across home and school
Our adult-centered model, grounded in the nationally recognized Georgetown University framework, has been shown to create meaningful, long-lasting positive outcomes for children.
USING ADJUSTMENT FACTOR FUNDS
California provides Adjustment Factor funds on top of base preschool funding to support children with higher needs, such as those experiencing poverty, foster care, homelessness, dual language learning, or other identified risk factors.
These funds must be spent on enhanced services that directly benefit these children and their caregivers. IECMHC is specifically recognized by the state as an eligible and impactful use of these dollars.
By investing Adjustment Factor funds in consultation, schools directly align with the intent of the program:
- Reducing disparities in preschool experiences
- Supporting educators and families
- Preventing suspensions and expulsions
THE BENEFITS FOR YOUR PROGRAM
- Stronger teacher–child connections
- Healthier social and emotional growth for children
- Confident educators equipped with effective tools
- Stress-reducing strategies that create calmer classrooms
- Engaged families and improved classroom climate
- Fewer suspensions and expulsions through proactive practices
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who can use Adjustment Factor funds for IECMHC?
Any state-funded preschool, including those in school districts, that serves children with higher needs. Programs receive a higher reimbursement rate when they enroll children who:
- Live in poverty
- Experience homelessness
- Are in foster care
- Are dual language learners
- Have disabilities or other identified risk factors
What is the purpose of Adjustment Factor funds?
Children with these experiences often face greater barriers to healthy development and school readiness. Adjustment Factor funds help level the playing field by giving programs resources to reduce disparities and improve outcomes.
Why invest in IECMHC?
IECMHC is one of the most effective strategies for:
- Preventing suspensions and expulsions
- Building teacher capacity and confidence
- Strengthening classroom climate for all children
If you’re a state-funded preschool, IECMHC is specifically recognized by the state as an eligible use of Adjustment Factor funds. By using your Adjustment Factor dollars for consultation, you’re making a smart, sustainable investment in your staff, your classrooms, and your families.
What does our service include?
Each classroom receives support from a dedicated IECMH consultant, including:
- Weekly onsite visits
- Reflective coaching for teachers and aides
- Support with behavior plans and classroom strategies
- Partnership with families to ensure consistency across home and school
- Data and outcome reports that demonstrate child and classroom progress
Our IECMHC services meet the requirements outlined in California Education Code to qualify for the use of Adjustment Factor funds.
How is billing handled?
The Y will send invoices. Programs can draw down Adjustment Factor funds monthly and use them to pay invoices, minimizing administrative burden.
Do consultants work directly with children?
No. Consultants coach and support the adults around the child—an evidence-based approach proven to create long-term, positive outcomes for children. Part of the consultation does involve providing linkages and referrals to children or families experiencing a higher level of need.
Do you have examples or case studies?
Yes. We recently partnered with Copley-Price Family YMCA Preschool, where consultation improved classroom climate and strengthened teacher confidence. You can view the full report here.
How do we get started?
Contact our Behavior Consultation team at behaviorconsultationsd@ymcasd.org to schedule a conversation and explore next steps.
READY TO PARTNER?
Adjustment Factor dollars are already available to your program. Let’s put them to work where they matter most—supporting children, families, and educators.
