COMMUNITY CONVERSATION SERIES 2026

IECMH Approaches to CARE: Keeping the Baby in Mind

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Session 1:  The Psychology of Pregnancy & Early Parenthood

Tuesday, January 13, 2026

Virtual Event

1:00-3:00pm  Presentation and Discussion

REGISTER 

Registration is limited to 100 participants.

Description:  Pregnancy and the birth of a child are significant markers in the life of not only the developing baby but the parents and family as well. This includes thinking about the “imagined child” (the prospective parent dreams about) and the actual baby that comes into their life, as well as the imagined parent (how they dream about and anticipate they will parent) and the development of the actual parental identity. Explore and consider key concepts around development, identity, and issues surrounding complicated pregnancies, prematurity, and loss.

This session will include a 30 minute overview of policy implications and considerations related to the session topic and discussion with national policy leaders at the National Center for Children in Poverty. 

Featured speakers:  

• Noelle Hause, Senior IECMH Manager, Zero to Three
• Sheila Smith, Director & Daniel Ferguson, Senior Policy Analyst, National Center for Children in Poverty

Registration fee:

- RIAIMH Members:  NO COST with active 2026 membership

- Non-Members:  $40/session

- Undergraduate and Graduate Students:  NO COST with valid student email entered during registration

CEUs:   

- NASW (Social Work) Continuing Education Units : $30/session (small online CC fee applied). pending

- CELP (Center for Early Learning Professionals) contact hour no cost for participants, pending

IECMH-Competencies toward IECMH-Endorsement® - suggested competencies noted on event participation certificate.   IMH Endorsement® applicants may select other appropriate IMH Competencies® 

With generous support from: