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Steps to EndorsementThere are five steps to the ITMHCA Endorsement Process:
1. Inquiry Individuals direct their inquiries about the ITMHCA Endorsement to Mary G. Warren, PhD, IMH-E®(IV), ITMHCA Endorsement Project Director, PO Box 2234, Phoenix, AZ, 85002, Endorsement@itmhca.org. Alternatively, the candidate can read about Endorsement on the website.
2. Application An individual who wishes to make a formal application completes the preliminary application and pays the fee for application. Upon receipt of the fee and review of the preliminary application, the Endorsement Project Director assigns an ITMHCA Endorsement Advisor to answer questions that the candidate might have and assist the candidate throughout the application process.
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 agrees to the ITMHCA Code of Ethics and Agreement by signing the appropriate forms. The completed portfolio is submitted hard copy in a large envelope at least 6 weeks prior to the next exam date for candidates for Levels III or IV. Portfolios may be submitted at any time for Levels I and II (see The Portfolio for specific instructions).
Due Dates for Portfolios and Exams
A completed Portfolio contains all required documents and the E-form has been approved by the IMHE Advisor. Applicants will be notified of acceptance of Portfolios within 6 weeks of due dates. Level III and IV Exams are given twice a year. Two exam dates for Infant Mental Health Specialist (Level III) and Infant Mental Health Mentor (Level IV) are set each year around April 15 and September 15. Candidates will be notified of exam scores within 2 months of the date of the exam.
4. Documentation of Competencies With the assigned ITMHCA Advisor, the candidate identifies the Competencies gained from each specialized training/conference and describes the nature of their Reflective Supervision. It is the goal of this process to both identify and fill any gaps in the candidate's field of competency so as to demonstrate specialized expertise in working with infants/toddlers and their families. This process also celebrates the growing competence of the individual as a part of the larger community of practitioners.
In the aggregate, upon review of multiple portfolios, the documentation of individual competencies also helps to identify trainings needed to complete the competencies for the community of practitioners.
5. Endorsement The Endorsement Review Team reviews each candidate's application, portfolio, and professional references as specified at each level. The Committee:
Please note that ITMHCA will attempt to be of assistance to candidates throughout the ITMHCA Endorsement Process, with the assignment of an ITMHCA Endorsement Advisor at the beginning of the process and careful attention throughout the process. |