Evaluating the Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation Program in the South Carolina Infant Mental Health Association

The South Carolina Infant Mental Health Association (SCIMHA) PEAR Program provides Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (IECMHC). IECMHC supports teachers and caregivers in promoting children’s social-emotional well-being, reducing exclusionary discipline, and improving classroom climates. This evaluation was conducted by Indigo Cultural Center using a community-based participatory action research approach. Early care and education sites engaging in the PEAR program participated in this evaluation.

The findings reveal that the SCIMHA’s PEAR program creates safer, more supportive early learning environments by strengthening relationships, reducing challenging behaviors, and minimizing exclusionary discipline. Further, the PEAR Program addresses racial inequities in early learning. Together, these changes lay the groundwork for long-term resilience and success for South Carolina’s youngest learners.

Learn more about the Pear Program at: www.scimha.org/services/pear-program/

Download Report