Infant Family Associate (IFA)
Infant Family Associate Requirements
| Education and/or Work Experience | Any academic degree, including Bachelors, Masters, Doctorate OR Official transcript/certificate from Child Development Associate (CDA) OR Official transcript from Associate’s degree (AD) in related area OR Two years of infant and early childhood-related paid work experience (include official transcripts from any college courses completed) |
| Training | Applicants will include as many hours as necessary to document that competencies (as specified in Competency Guidelines®) have been met. Minimum 30 clock hours of relationship-based education and training pertaining to the promotion of social-emotional development and/or the practice of infant mental health. Typically, successful IFA applications include an average of 40 or more hours of specialized training unless the applicant has completed coursework specific to IMH competencies |
| Professional Reference Ratings | Total of three ratings: 1. One must come from a current supervisor 2. At least one must come from an individual who meets MI-AIMH Endorsement® requirements at IFS, IMHS, IMHM OR is familiar with the Competency Guidelines® and vetted by MI-AIMH* 3. One can come from a colleague, or a parent/recipient of services (paid or volunteer), teacher, CDA mentor, Board member |
| Code of Ethics & Endorsement® Agreement | Signed |
| Documentation of Competencies | Application will document that competencies have been adequately met through course work, paid and/or volunteer work experiences, or in-service training. Written examination not required for applicants seeking IFA Endorsement® |
| Professional Membership | Membership in MI-AIMH or another infant mental health association |
*The vetting of a reference rater who is not endorsed consists of a phone call with the Endorsement Coordinator so that she can determine if the proposed rater has a copy of the Competency Guidelines® and is familiar enough with them to rate the applicant’s knowledge and skills as defined in them. The decision to accept the vetted reference rater will be documented by Endorsement Coordinator in the references section of the applicant’s EASy application.
Annual Endorsement® Renewal Requirements (IFA)
| Education & Training | Minimum of 15 clock hours per year of relationship-based education and training, pertaining to the promotion of social-emotional development and/or the practice of infant mental health (eg, regional training, related course work at colleges or universities, infant mental health conference attendance, participation in IMH association sponsored activities such as book club, mentorship group). Documentation of training hours submitted with membership renewal |
| Professional Membership | Annual renewal of membership in MI-AIMH or another infant mental health association |
| Reflective Supervision/Consultation (RSC) | All endorsed professionals are encouraged to seek RSC. |
13101 Allen Road
Southgate, Michigan 48195
tel: 734.785.7705 x7194
fax: 734.287.1680
