1. 1. Purpose

This RFI is issued for the purpose of gathering information, including cost projections, from qualified consultants who can demonstrate the capacity to provide specialized assistance and consulting services for the Head Start and Early Head Start Programs. The information sought includes but is not limited to, summary of credentials and qualifications, approach and methodologies, and cost estimates.

0. 2. Scope of Work
1. The Contractor shall provide services and staff, and otherwise do all things necessary for or incidental to the performance of work, as set forth below:
   1. Provide Mental Health Consulting services.
   2. Prepare quantitative, descriptive, and analytical reports as required by Agency
2. Mental Health Consulting services shall be defined as non-clinical professional services provided by a licensed mental health counselor or licensed independent clinical social worker with significant education, training and expertise in early childhood development, family systems, and the impact of complex trauma. Mental Health Consulting shall include a wide scope of non- healthcare program supports focused on psychoeducation, professional development, and community resources with the intention of supporting individual children's long term positive mental health outcomes, staff competency and retention, and Spokane Head Start's overall mission and vision of implementing Conscious Discipline into their services. Mental Health Consulting is not a healthcare service. Mental Health Consulting does not include the delivery of any direct clinical services such as mental health counseling or therapy. Mental Health Consultants will not create a clinician/client relationship with any third party in conjunction with services delivered under this agreement.
3. Contractor will perform the following tasks:

1. The primary role of the Mental Health Contractor is to support program staff in their work with children and families by bringing expertise in the areas of social, emotional, and behavioral health and development.

2. Work is completed on-site during regular business hours at our local facilities. See attachment E for a list of locations. Work-related email, documentation, and some meetings may be completed remotely.

3. Provide focused individual child observations and provide oral and written recommendations to staff and parents regarding strategies to support children’s social, emotional, and behavioral development (observation, intervention applications, and case management activities).

4. Consult with staff, including the education specialist, the site classroom quality specialist, and the site supervisor, whenever classroom observation indicates additional social, emotional, or behavioral supports for individual children or groups of children are needed.

5. Review classroom behavior tracking documents maintained in Child Plus by teaching staff and use this information to evaluate staff strategies and make recommendations for additional or different methods. Direct observation in addition to review of the classroom- maintained documentation is encouraged.

6. While at the center, work with staff and parents to accommodate individual mental health needs of children in the classroom. Provide suggestions for additional resources and referrals to the parents and staff.

7. As needed, may be requested to facilitate parent education at Head Start locations during normal business hours.

8. As requested by staff, be available to provide an orientation to parents regarding mental health services and the role of the mental health consultant. Sites typically do a fall parent orientation event that the consultant will need to attend.

9. As needed or requested by the center manager, provide training/coaching/modeling to staff on applying recommended strategies for individual children and their families.

10. As needed or requested by the center manager, provide training for staff on topics relevant to their work and within areas of mental health consultant expertise.

11. All consultant provided reports or documentation remain the property of Head Start and will remain in the child’s electronic file.

12. A record of activity will be maintained by the consultant by completing at least the following tasks:
    1. Complete the Mental Health Consultant Log after each site visit.
    2. Provide written information regarding individual child focused observations using the Mental Health tab in Child Plus for use in the development of individual behavior plans and individualized child supports.