Our Mission

To foster healthy development in infants and young children who are at risk, abused, neglected, emotionally disturbed, or affected by family substance abuse, by providing comprehensive mental health treatment and early education services to them and to their families.

History

Concerned about the number of emotionally disturbed children entering kindergarten, in 1974 a group of local parents, teachers, social workers, and community activists founded the Therapeutic Nursery School, dedicated to serving children in West Contra Costa County. 

Following the lead of pioneering researchers in the field of infant-parent therapy, the agency’s work with children became so widely recognized that it eventually won government support to formalize its Infant-Parent Home Visiting services. To expand the agency’s reach Preschool Mental Health Consultation Teams were later added.

Today we provide a broad range of mental health services to children ages birth to six years and their families/caregivers, as well as consultation services to day care providers and preschools both public and private.

The Early Childhood Mental Health Program is a private not-for-profit public benefit corporation.  Donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.  The agency is governed by a volunteer, community-based Board of Directors.