Model of early childhood mental health consultation - standards and guidelines - qualifications
C.R.S. § 26.5-3-703
in effect26.5-3-703. Model of early childhood mental health consultation - standards and guidelines - qualifications. (1) On or before July 1, 2022, the department shall design and develop, in consultation with the stakeholders listed in section 26.5-3-702 (1)(b), a model of consultation for the program that includes qualifications for mental health consultants, job expectations, expected outcomes, and guidance on ratios between mental health consultants and the settings they support, referred to in this section as "the model". The model must include standards and guidelines to ensure the program is implemented effectively, with primary consideration given to evidence-based services. The standards and guidelines must include:
(a) Clear qualifications for mental health consultants in the program, including, at a minimum, expertise in adult and child mental health theory, practice, and services; early childhood, child development, and family systems; knowledge of, and skills to address, circumstances that affect children's behavior and mental health; knowledge of developmental science and milestones; knowledge of a consultative model of practice; and available resources and services to children and families to alleviate family stress;
(b) Expectations for the placement of regional consultants that will most effectively meet local community need for mental health consultants in the program. The department shall periodically conduct an open and competitive selection process for the placement of any publicly funded mental health consultants in the program.
(c) Guidance concerning the scope of work that mental health consultants in the program may provide to professionals working with young children and families, including guidance on appropriate referrals, training, coaching, prevention, and any other appropriate services;
(d) Methods to increase the availability of bilingual or multilingual mental health consultants in the program and otherwise ensure the cultural competency of mental health consultants in the program and ensure that the consultant population reflects an array of characteristics and backgrounds and is reflective of the diversity of the providers, children, and families being served;
(e) Guidance on the diverse settings in which and types of providers with whom mental health consultants in the program may work to meet the varied needs of children and families from prenatal through eight years of age. The model must include provisions that ensure that mental health consultants in the program may work with a diversity of professionals and caregivers, including but not limited to early child care and education teachers and providers, elementary school teachers and administrators, home visitors, child welfare caseworkers, public health professionals, and health-care professionals, including settings providing prenatal and postpartum care.
(f) Anticipated outcomes that the program and mental health consultants in the program should achieve, including:
(I) Promoting social-emotional growth and development of children;
(II) Providing guidance to professionals and caregivers to effectively understand and support children's positive behavior and development;
(III) Understanding the effects of trauma and adversity, including oppression, prejudice, discrimination, racism, and gender inequity, on the developing brain to ultimately reduce challenging behaviors and increase positive early experiences;
(IV) Promoting high-quality interactions and relationships between children and adults;
(V) Supporting the mental health and well-being of adults who care for children;
(VI) Connecting and referring children, families, and providers to programs, resources, and supports that will assist them in their development and success while addressing barriers to accessing such resources and supports;
(VII) Supporting equitable, inclusive outcomes for the diverse providers, children, and families throughout the state; and
lth and well-being of adults who care for children;
(VI) Connecting and referring children, families, and providers to programs, resources, and supports that will assist them in their development and success while addressing barriers to accessing such resources and supports;
(VII) Supporting equitable, inclusive outcomes for the diverse providers, children, and families throughout the state; and
(g) Guidance on appropriate ratios of mental health consultants and the settings they support, as well as caseload expectations.
Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2024-title-26.5.docx#26.5-3-703Fetched: 10/6/2026