Early Childhood Mental Health Treatment: Training Reference Guide

Strategies
Effective Consultation
Step 4: Consultant Contacts Parent
The purpose of the contact is to introduce yourself and to provide feedback to the
parent after the first observation visit.
It is important to provide positive feedback while being honest about your observations.
The parent(s) must be invited and encouraged to articulate any concerns and to share
observations of the child in the home setting.
Before ending, next steps should be reviewed with the parent(s).
Roadblock:
Parent is not forthcoming with information.
Strategy:
Be patient, relationships take time to develop, don’t push it – this helps build trust.
Step 5: Continuation Of Assessment
The consultant will visit the classroom 2 –3 more times or until (s)he feels they have
enough information. She will identify the child’ strengths and needs.
During these observation visits the consultant will continue to seek teacher input and
provide feedback to the teacher.
Roadblock # 1:
Program lacks quality.
Strategy:
In a school setting, this issue is not addressed.
In a childcare centre, you may discuss it with the supervisor, depending on your relationship.
Remember you are there for the child, not to evaluate the program.
In both settings, as you plan for the child, you can make suggestions that will improve the
program.
Roadblock # 2:
Inconsistent staffing.
Strategy:
Speak to supervisor / principal about the need for consistency for the children. Recognize
that staffing issues may be beyond anyone’s control. Once the relationship is established,
you might explore reasons for staff turnover.
cont’d...
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