Specifications include, but are not limited to: This RFI is issued for the purpose of gathering information, including cost projections, from qualified consultants who can demonstrate the capacity to provide specialized assistance and consulting services for the Head Start and Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program. The information sought includes but is not limited to, summary of credentials and qualifications, approach and methodologies, and cost estimates. 1. The primary role of the Mental Health Consultant is to support program staff in their work with children and families by bringing expertise in the areas of social, emotional, and behavioral health and development. 2. Work is completed on-site during regular business hours at our local facilities. See attachment E for a list of locations. Work-related email, documentation, and some meetings may be completed remotely. 3. Provide focused individual child observations and provide oral and written recommendations to staff and parents regarding strategies to support children’s social, emotional, and behavioral development (observation, intervention applications, and case management activities). 4. Consult with staff, including the education specialist, the site classroom quality specialist, and the site supervisor, whenever classroom observation indicates additional social, emotional, or behavioral supports for individual children or groups of children are needed. 5. Review classroom behavior tracking documents maintained in ChildPlus by teaching staff and use this information to evaluate staff strategies and make recommendations for additional or different methods. Direct observation in addition to review of the classroom-maintained documentation is encouraged. 6. While at the center, work with staff and parents to accommodate individual mental health needs of children in the classroom. Provide suggestions for additional resources and referrals to the parents and staff. 7. As needed, may be requested to facilitate parent education at Head Start locations during normal business hours. 8. As requested by staff, be available to provide an orientation to parents regarding mental health services and the role of the mental health consultant. Sites typically do a fall parent orientation event that the consultant will need to attend.
