I authorize Head Start Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health Consultants (MHC’s) to provide consultation services to my child’s early learning program and/or to myself if identified as beneficial. This may include the following:
Observation of the early learning classroom environment and consultation with my children’s teachers or staff and/or with myself to support my child’s social-emotional development and improve my child’s experiences in the early learning environment.
Support staff/teachers in the use of universal screening tools, and interpretation of screening results, to determine my child’s developmental strengths and areas of risk, when applicable.
I understand the MHC may provide recommendations for additional support and services provided at the child’s early learning center, or in the community, to further my child’s growth and development.
I understand the MHC may provide information regarding child-related concerns and resources that could be beneficial for my child’s overall growth and development.
I agree that MHC’s may collect a variety of information or data about me and my child and store this information on a secure platform. Only professional staff authorized by Head Start will have access to the stored information; all information will be kept confidential, and may be used in evaluation or reports to help improve the MHC support and services provided.
I understand MHC staff are mandatory reporters for child abuse/neglect that may occur at home, or for any licensing violations at the Head Start classroom/child care center. I understand MHC’s additionally have a duty to warn authorities of imminent danger identified to your child and/or other individuals.
I understand I may be invited to participate in team meetings for collaborative action plan development if deemed beneficial.
I understand consultation is suggestive in nature and that I remain responsible for the decisions I make on behalf of my child/family. Any MHC recommendations provided are for the consideration of yourself and/or your child’s direct early learning staff and teachers.
I understand participation in the Head Start program is voluntary by the child’s parents/legal guardians, and MHC support and services are provided as part of the Head Start programming.
