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History of VAIMH

The Virginia Association for Infant Mental Health (VAIMH) is an interdisciplinary, professional organization established to nurture and promote the optimal development of infants, toddlers, and families through education, relationship-based training, and advocacy efforts.  It was founded in 2010 and incorporated as a 501c3 nonprofit organization in 2012 with representation from social services, mental health, child care, education, and health care organizations from both the public and private sector.  In 2013, VAIMH became the sole licensee in Virginia to oversee the Virginia Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Endorsement for professionals. The Endorsement is based on the pioneering research of Selma Fraiberg and was developed in Michigan.  For more information, see the Michigan Association of IMH website: https://mi-aimh.org/

 

The intent of the VAIMH Endorsement is to recognize the professional development of infant and family service providers and professionals within the diverse and rapidly expanding infant, early childhood, and family field.  Endorsement by VAIMH will verify that an applicant has attained a special level of knowledge and skill based on a set of best practices and competencies that have been identified and agreed upon by leaders in the field.

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