MI-AIMH Endorsement (IMH-E™): Overview

The intent of the MI-AIMH Endorsement (IMH-E™) is to recognize and document the development of infant and family professionals within an organized system of culturally sensitive, relationship-based, infant mental health learning and work experiences. Endorsement by the Michigan Association for Infant Mental Health (MI-AIMH) will verify that an applicant has attained a level of education as specified, participated in specialized in-service trainings, worked with guidance from mentors or supervisors, and acquired knowledge to promote the delivery of high quality, culturally sensitive, relationship-focused services to infants, toddlers, parents, other caregivers and families. The MI-AIMH Endorsement (IMH-E™) will provide information of significant benefit to employers, referral sources, and the courts seeking expert witnesses related to the social and emotional development of infants and young children and their families. Of additional importance, the MI-AIMH Endorsement (IMH-E™) will be useful in developing individual professional development plans.

Prerequisite Requirements

  1. Membership in MI-AIMH or another IMH association
  2. Training/Education as specified and related to infants, toddlers, parents, other caregivers and families
  3. Experience working with infants, toddlers, parents, other caregivers and families.

There are five steps to the Michigan Association for Infant Mental Health Endorsement (IMH-E™) process:

  1. Inquiry
  2. Application
  3. Preparation of a Portfolio
  4. Documentation of Competencies
  5. Endorsement

MI-AIMH encourages continuing professional growth and development for all members. The Association requires professionals who have successfully completed the MI-AIMH Endorsement (IMH-E™) at all levels to continue membership in MI-AIMH or another IMH association and to participate annually in 15 hours of culturally sensitive, relationship-based training experiences that promote infant mental health.

Preparation of a Professional Portfolio

  1. MI-AIMH Endorsement (IMH-E™) Portfolio Check List
    The candidate’s professional portfolio will include:
    • Signed Code of Ethics
    • Signed Endorsement Agreement
    • Official transcripts (envelopes sealed) from each college/university attended
    • Three sealed reference rating forms
    • Hard copy of E-form: a template for compiling a list of specialized work, in-service training, and (for Levels II, III, & IV-Clinical) reflective supervision/consultation experiences
    • Endorsement fee
    • Documentation of membership in MI-AIMH or other IMH association
  2. Completed portfolios are comprehensively reviewed by at least two volunteers who are either members of the Endorsement Committee and/or have earned Endorsement (IMH-E™). Portfolio reviews are based closely on the competencies identified at the level at which the candidate has applied. Candidates at Level III & IV will need to successfully complete the endorsement exam after the portfolio has been reviewed and approved.  Information about upcoming examination dates and locations can be found at Exams (Endorsement).

 

Levels of Competency

The Michigan Association for Infant Mental Health invites infant and family service providers who work in a variety of ways with infants, toddlers, caregivers and families to consider the MI-AIMH Endorsement. The endorsement design is inclusive and encourages participation and professional development at multiple levels:

For additional information on the MI-AIMH Endorsement (IMH-E™), please review the following articles:

Development of the MI-AIMH Endorsement (IMH-E™)

Valerie Brown of Triad Performances, did a masterful job of developing competency guidelines at each of the four levels. She worked closely with the Endorsement Committee Chairperson, Endorsement Committee Members, and the MI-AIMH membership (over 500 members) across the state. The general areas of competency include:

The details of each area are very specifically described at each level. The competency guidelines, developed in collaboration with the membership, are available to candidates who inquire or apply and will support and enhance culturally sensitive, relationship-focused practice within the framework of infant mental health practice.

We invite you to begin the Endorsement Application process by contacting the Endorsement Coordinator, Nichole Paradis at the central office: 734-785-7705, Ext. 7210 or nparadis@mi-aimh.org.