The candidate prepares a portfolio to document educational level attained, coursework or degree(s) earned (as appropriate to the endorsement level), in-service training experiences, reflective supervision/consultation experiences (Levels 2, 3, and 4), work experiences, and professional reference ratings. These materials reflect the candidate's capabilities within the infant and family field as identified for each level of endorsement in the guidelines. Each candidate also commits by signature to the ITMHCA Code of Ethics, Agreement, and Candidate's Waiver (see The Portfolio for specific instructions). The completed portfolio, put in a large envelope, must include:

1. Official transcript(s) from all educational institutions attended documenting education, coursework taken, degree(s) and/or certificate(s) earned. Official transcripts should remain unopened in the envelope from the college or university.
   
   Each Level 1 applicant must submit a copy of high school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED). This is not required for Levels 2, 3, or 4.
   
   
2. E-Portfolio Form which documents:
   
   
   1. Specialized in-service training experiences and conference attendance relevant to culturally sensitive, relationship-based practice promoting infant mental health and specific to the capability guidelines.
      
      Provide the title of training, trainer, date(s), number of hours and/or time frame, sponsoring group.
      
      
   2. Paid work experience(s) with/related to infants, toddlers, caregivers, families.
      
      Provide program name and agency, program address, brief description of key service responsibilities, years of service with program, and immediate program supervisor and/or infant mental health consultant.
      
      
   3. Professional work, as appropriate, may include publications, committee membership, or leadership roles related to the well-being of infants, toddlers, caregivers, and families (Level 4).
      
      
   4. Reflective supervision or consultation experiences (Levels 2, 3, and 4).
      
      Identify type (group or individual), name of supervisor/consultant, timeframe, dates, place
   
   
   

   Enter the download password to retrieve the portfolio form.

   
   
   
3. Three professional reference ratings.
   
   Complete ITMHCA Endorsement reference forms by a current teacher, CDA mentor, instructor, supervisor, consultant, and/or colleague familiar with your work with infants, toddlers, parents, other caregivers, and families, as specified at each level. Ratings should remain in sealed envelopes with signature of the rater across the seal.
   • for Levels I and II
   • for Levels III and IV
   
   
   
4. A signed ITMHCA Code of Ethics and signed Applicant Agreement.
   
   
5. Once you and your advisor feel that your portfolio is complete, submit the portfolio and the endorsement fee (see below) to the ITMHCA. Scholarships are available to assist with the Endorsement fee - download the scholarship application form (Word file).

	Application Fee	Endorsement Fee	Total Fees
Level 1: Infant Family Associate	$15.00	$25.00	$40.00
Level 2: Infant Family Specialist	$15.00	$100.00	$115.00
Level 3: Infant Mental Health Specialist	$25.00	$200.00	$225.00
Level 4: Infant Mental Health Mentor	$25.00	$300.00	$325.00