Individuals direct their inquiries about the ITMHCA Endorsement to Mary G. Warren, PhD, IMH-E®(IV), ITMHCA Endorsement Project Director, Arizona State University, PO Box 873701, Tempe, Arizona 85787-3701, Endorsement@itmhca.org, 480-727-9062. Alternatively, the candidate can read about Endorsement on the website.

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).

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.

The Endorsement Review Team reviews each candidate's application, portfolio, and professional references as specified at each level. The Committee:

• notifies the candidate of successful completion of the process and recommends Endorsement;

  OR

• notifies the candidate of additional requirements that must be fulfilled within a mutually agreed upon designated time frame in order to earn the Endorsement;

  OR

• notifies the candidate that she/he does not meet the requirements for Endorsement.