Early Childhood Consultation Partnership
What is ECCP®?
The Maine Early Childhood Consultation Partnership (ECCP®) is a free infant and early childhood mental health consultation program that addresses the social-emotional needs of children birth to age five (0-5) by offering support, education, and consultation to the adults who provide care for them. ECCP consultants provide strategies, support, and training to improve the capacity of early childhood education and childcare providers as they work with children who have challenging behaviors or social-emotional concerns. ECCP® also incorporates brief consultation to families (including resource families) of children referred for support through the child’s early childhood education setting. Services may last anywhere from 6 weeks (Child-Specific) to 14 weeks (Core Classroom). Specific consultation topics may include anything from managing aggressive behaviors, difficulties with transitions, creating positive classroom cultures, improving responsiveness of teaching staff, and building effective partnerships with families.
ECCP’s Impact
Adults who feel unable to meet the needs of a child or need support with difficult transitions for a child or children gain new insights, strategies and skills.
Families who experience difficulties when trying to set limits, boundaries, or create routines with their child or children become more effective and positive.
Individuals who find that children in their care struggle with too much energy, impulsivity, difficulty following rules, or effectively communicating their needs or wants gain improved outcomes.
Adults increase their understanding and skills to more effectively respond to typical and atypical child development (social, emotional, cognitive, motor, sensory, etc.).
Teachers or child care providers who are challenged by a child’s behavior that is affecting other children and keeping the child from being successful in their learning environment report improvements that change the classroom environment.
Who Can Make a Referral?
Referrals can be made by parents, providers, teachers, or program directors. The service is voluntary, and the child’s family must provide consent for the service.
How do I get ECCP services?
The program is being piloted by the Maine Office of Child and Family Services through 2023. Sunrise Opportunities is the agency offering ECCP® services in Hancock and Washington County. Please contact Corey Schwinn at cschwinn@sun-rise.tv from Sunrise Opportunities at 255-4701 or Amy Beaulieu at amy.beaulieu@maine.gov.