Welcome
The Kansas Association for Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health is an association of professionals in Kansas who are concerned with the emotional development of infants. KAIMH has three main goals:
- To encourage the realization that infancy is a critical period in the psychosocial/emotional development of individuals
- To disseminate knowledge to its members as well as to combat the sense of isolation of those disciplines working in the infancy field
- To provide information to the general public, which will enhance awareness and bring to public attention the psychosocial/emotional needs of children in the first years of life.
KAIMH is a 501C3 non-profit and is an affiliate of the World Association for Infant Mental Health.
KAIMH Race and Social Justice Statement
A Statement from the Kansas Association for Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health (KAIMH) inspired by the Alliance for the Advancement of Infant Mental Health.
As part of the global infant/early childhood mental health community, we are committed to deepening conversation and promoting reflection and action to address ongoing bias, structural racism, and racial violence that impacts the health and wellbeing of black, indigenous and people of color, babies, young children and their families.
The KAIMH Board of Directors is committed to anti-racism. We believe in the power of relationships to raise a collective voice against racism. We stand in solidarity with black, indigenous, and communities of color across the nation and the world and commit ourselves to mitigating the chronic trauma that racism has had on generations of children that are black, indigenous, and of color, their families, and the infant/early childhood workforce.
We hold in mind parents and caregivers of color who are tasked with protecting and creating a safe space for their babies while also managing their own emotions, as we also hold in mind the infant/early childhood mental health workforce of color who strive to hold and comfort families while managing their own emotions.
We believe that change and healing starts with each one of us. We must intentionally examine the ways we contribute to the continuation of dismantling of racial trauma and structural oppression. KAIMH is committed to ongoing growth and strategies that promote racial equity and highlight joy, healing, and liberation. To this end, KAIMH has created a Race and Social Justice Committee that is developing ongoing action steps to address systemic racism and white supremacy within the early childhood mental health field. Planned action steps include:
- Share racial equity resources with KAIMH’s membership
- Provide racial equity professional development opportunities
- Increase knowledge and skills of mental health service providers
- Engage community partners in anti-racist growth
- Create opportunities for reflection and discussion
We must respond with purpose and action. Our babies can’t wait.
With love and hope,
KAIMH Board of Directors, Staff and Committees
Keep Up with KAIMH/News
To get occasional emails about KAIMH news and opportunities, sign up for our e-newsletter here. We look forward to engaging with you in the future!
Shared Statement from the Alliance about the separation of children from parents at the borders.
Join the KAIMH Board!
We need KAIMH members interested in leading our organization into the future!
If you are interested in serving, we are soliciting nominations.
How? Send us a letter of interest and your resume/vita. Let us know why you want to serve on the KAIMH board and what skills and knowledge you would bring to the board.
When? Send your materials by April 10. You will be notified of your nomination status by April 17. The membership will vote on the slate of nominations on May 1 at the Annual Business Meeting.
Send applications and questions to: Peggy Kemp, KAIMH Vice President. peggy@dec-sped.org
Resources & QUICK LINKS
Upcoming Events
Annual Spring Conference:
- April 29-30, 2021 Newton KS
Did you know that you can support KAIMH through your Amazon purchases? Select KAIMH as your charity of choice and Amazon will donate a portion of your purchase!
Support the work of KAIMH
Nurture Healthy Early Relationships!
KAIMH is a a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization serving all early childhood professionals in Kansas, including child care, pre-school, Head Start, Early Head Start, home visitation programs, and more! Your financial contributions to KAIMH enable children and families to receive high quality care from early childhood professionals trained in the social and emotional needs of young children.- Maintain the Endorsement scholarship program for professionals who work with young children.
- Establish quality professional development opportunities for early childhood professionals.
- Identify and promote best practice programs and speak on issues of critical importance impacting healthy social emotional development, education, and welfare of young children and families.
- Support legislation that benefits all children and families in Kansas.
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