The program is designed to train people from a variety of therapeutic professions to work with at-risk boys and girls and their families, and with the staff in the educational settings in which they reside. Studies in the field include theoretical and professional courses, a research seminar and research courses, a practicum accompanied by individual guidance and a group workshop.
The studies in the field of mental health are intended to achieve the following goals:
Expanding the toolbox and knowledge in the field of therapeutic intervention in early childhood children.
Assimilation of an integrative approach to professional intervention with preschool children, with their parents and with their families.
Providing knowledge and tools for systematic and analytical thinking in the field of early childhood, for the purpose of locating, evaluating and intervening in situations of risk, distress and trauma in infancy and early childhood.
Familiarity with agencies and systems which are beliefs about providing services to at-risk boys and girls.
Develop social policy among early childhood caregivers, while imparting guidance, counseling, intervention, and leadership skills.
Developing an infrastructure of theoretical research that will advance knowledge in the field of mental health and work with at-risk boys and girls.
This trend is being supported by the Irving Harris Foundation.