Endorsement

Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Endorsement is an internationally recognized credential for professionals working with or on behalf of pregnant women, infants, very young children, and their families. It stands as one of the first and most comprehensive credentials globally, identifying best practice competencies across various disciplines and providing a clear pathway for professional development. This credential offers credibility to professionals dedicated to supporting the social-emotional and relational health and well-being of infants and young children.

Endorsement signifies an individual professional’s commitment to specializing in the promotion and practice of Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) within their chosen discipline and scope of practice. It highlights one's specialty in either Infant Mental Health or Early Childhood Mental Health.To learn more, we invite you to watch an 11-minute webinar that explains what Endorsement® is, why it benefits babies and families, who should apply, and how to apply. 

If you have any questions, please reach out to Kaya Swann at Endorsement@imhamddc.org.

Ms. Kaya Swann is a licensed master-level social worker with extensive IECMH experience. She is the first Endorsement Coordinator for the Infant Mental Association of MD/DC. In this contractual role, Ms. Swann champions the Infant Mental Health Endorsement®, coordinates the endorsement process and applications, provides resources, guidance, and assistance, and promotes endorsement through community advocacy.

In addition to her role as Endorsement Coordinator, Ms. Swann serves as the Co-Director of the Parent, Infant & Early Childhood (PIEC) Program at the Institute for Innovation & Implementation within the University of Maryland School of Social Work. She oversees program and policy work for all PIEC activities. In this leadership role, she manages IECMH and Pyramid Model program development, project oversight, statewide implementation, workforce training, coaching, and the provision of technical assistance and support for the state’s IECMH Consultation workforce. 

Ms. Swann is deeply invested in her work and has over 20 years of experience working with child service systems, managing, and implementing programs designed to improve outcomes for children, youth, and families. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Syracuse University and a Master of Social Work from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, School of Social Work, where she focused on management, administration, and community organizing.