Training Working Group

The training group established an internet bulletin board to facilitate a threaded discussion. Three sub-committees were formed to focus on the following identified priority goals:

• Goal 1: Investigate curriculum issues and cross-agency group training
• Skills and philosophy
• Content

• Goal 2: Develop and utilize training resources


• Local and National Steps taken:
• The St. George Early Intervention program, The Learning Center for Families, was successful in applying for an IOTI grant to develop training in cooperation with the Southwest Center for Mental Health. A 2-day training was held.



• The Graduate School of Social Work at the University of Utah accepted a proposal to present a course titled, "Strategies to Support the Mental Health of Infant and Toddlers." Baby Watch staff supported those members of the Expanding Options Committee who are experienced in working with infants and toddlers to develop a curriculum targeting mental health practitioners and infant-toddler providers. This course will be offered during the Summer Institute July 8-10, 2002.



• The Utah Association of Child Care Resource and Referral (UACCRR) built on the collaboration developed by the Expanding Options Committee between agencies, programs and advocates, to write a successful grant proposal to the Johnson and Johnson "Better Baby Care" project. Grant funds are being used to inform and educate child care providers of the important role they play in supporting the mental health of infants and toddlers. An infant-toddler mental health track has been developed for the Private Child Care Association Conference on September 14, 2002. Mimi Graham EdD from Florida will be the Keynote speaker. Mimi will also spend time facilitating a discussion with the Expanding Options Committee on "next steps".



• An RFP was written by the Interagency Outreach Training Initiative that requested proposals to develop training for infant-toddler mental health. The Children's Center submitted a successful grant application to train home visitors.

• Recommendations
• Continue to develop resources to meet the need for high-level training of mental health providers in working with infants and toddlers
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• Post training opportunities on the Baby Watch Web Site
• Develop a base of information across programs including information related to the role played by each organization and the identification and dissemination of curriculums
• Utilize community and staff resources
• Continue to offer support to staff for the development of resource
• Continue to support and expand upon trainings offered by the Children's Cente