The Infant Development Association of California is a multidisciplinary organization of parents and professionals committed to optimal developmental, social, and emotional outcomes for infants, birth to three, with a broad range of special needs and their families.
IDA advocates for improved effective prevention and early intervention services, and provides information, education, and training to parents, professionals, decision makers, and others.
San Diego and Imperial Valley Chapter
History
On October 1st, 2003, at an open house at the EFRC, parents and representatives from community agencies serving infants and toddlers in San Diego gathered together to listen to a proposal put forth by several members of the State board of the Infant Development Association (IDA). Their idea of forming a local chapter of IDA to serve San Diego and the Imperial Valley was embraced as an exciting opportunity to create a parent-professional group to serve as a cross-road for the unique and diverse population of families and providers in early intervention.
In January, 2004, a task force began the groundwork for forming a local chapter of IDA by recruiting persons interested in serving on the Board of Directors. A successful effort resulted in a board representing parents and professionals from child care, infant education, mental health, public health and social work. On September 29, 2004, a “baby shower” was given to present to the community the beginning of the local chapter of the San Diego/Imperial Counties Board. The work continues as we develop a plan to respond to needs and desires of the local community serving infants, toddlers and their families.
Training:
The Infant-Preschooler Mental Health Certificates Program is Offering Courses in San Diego!
The first five years of life are critical, but too often, the needs of at-risk children go unmet because too few mental health professionals are trained to work with these young children and families. The California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University (CSPP/AIU) is offering two certificates in Infant-Preschooler Mental Health. Both are for post-graduate mental health practitioners and affiliated professions (e.g., psychologists, MFTs, social workers, psychiatrists, nurse practitioners) as well as graduate students engaged in a program of study leading to a clinical practice degree. Designed for adult learners who are working full-time, courses meet on evenings and weekends. This certification meets the coursework guidelines proposed by the California Infant Mental Health Work Group. More information about 2007-2008 class in San Diego can be found here
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