Governor DeWine Announces Early Childhood Mental Health Credential

(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Governor Mike DeWine today announced the launch of Ohio’s new Infant Mental Health Credential for early childhood professionals, the first of its kind in the state. This credential provides professional development to support the social-emotional needs of Ohio’s youngest children. Early childhood professionals who hold this credential will have met the state’s minimum core standards.

“When children are young, they are building the foundation for the rest of their lives. It’s important that we ensure they have the emotional and behavioral skills to succeed,” said Governor DeWine. “This new credential guarantees that those early childhood professionals have specialized skills and training to help young children reach their best possible wellness.”

Applications are being accepted through the Ohio Child Care Resource and Referral Association. Early childhood system professionals working in the following categories may apply:

  • Child Care
  • Early Learning
  • Home Visiting
  • Community Health
  • Early Intervention
  • Maternal Health
  • Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health
  • Primary Health
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Any Additional Allied Health Professionals

For more information on Ohio’s Infant Mental Health Credential, please visit https://occrra.org/our-resources-page/