For Students
Our Student Formation programming supports the mission and values of CAECMH. Our graduate coursework helps teachers, therapists, and other professionals learn how to assess, teach, and support children with autism and their families. Our Fellowship programs in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health and Early Relational Health provide multidisciplinary professionals the theory and practice needed to build strong, respectful relationships with children and families. Participants learn how relationships support healthy development and how to reflect on their own work so they can better meet each family’s needs. This approach helps professionals bring relationship-based, thoughtful care into their everyday practice, programs, and services.
Graduate Coursework
CAECMH is the course creator and instructor for Conceptual Foundations of Autism Spectrum Disorders: Bio-Psych-Social Perspectives (ECSE 580), offered within the Department of Teacher Education and Teacher Development within the College of Education and Engaged Learning at Montclair State University.
This course introduces students to the core features and core developmental profile of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Students examine the nature of human attachment and the interpersonal nature of human development and neurobiology. They review historical and contemporary perspectives on the origins and interventions for ASD, including a comparative analysis of the models of human development underlying major educational and therapeutic approaches. Students explore the central role of affect in organizing development along multiple lines and the affective and relational precursors of communication. Using a bio-psycho-social perspective, they examine the field of sensory processing disorders (SPD), regulatory disorders and language development, so they are informed about the critical importance of developing a child’s unique profile. Students also examine the socio-cultural context of autism, and understand the role of educators as change agents.
Student Opportunities
Graduate Assistantships and Student Workers
To inquire about Graduate Assistant and Student Worker positions, please contact us at caecmh@montclair.edu.
Internships and Externships
CAECMH provides opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to experience the fields of early relational health, infant and early childhood mental health, inclusive practices and maternal-infant health in real time by participating in internships, externships, and field work experiences.
To inquire about clinical internships and field work, please contact Jennifer Faasse, Assistant Director for Clinical Services and training at faassej@montclair.edu.
Applications are accepted from July through September. The Fellowship runs annually from October through September.
Fellowships in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health and Early Relational Health
The 10-month Intensive Fellowship in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health and Early Relational Health is a 120-hour cohort model continuing education program in infant and early childhood mental health and early relational health that offers multidisciplinary professionals the opportunity to examine the optimal physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of infants, toddlers and young children within the relational context of the family.
After the first year of the Fellowship, Fellows are invited to continue to a second year 60-hour Advanced Fellowship, and then a third year 30-hour Applied Fellowship.
For more information about the Intensive Fellowship, please email our Director, Kaitlin Mulcahy at mulcahyk@montclair.edu with subject line “Fellowship”.