NWOSU Logo in white
  • Academics
  • Future Rangers
  • About
  • Athletics
  • Resources
    • Student
      • Email Access
      • Canvas
      • Course Schedules
      • Helpful Videos
      • Library Services
      • Self-Service
      • Student Services
      • University Calendar
      • 1098-T Forms
    • Employee
    • Canvas
    • Self-Service
    • Library Services
    • Parent and Family
    • University Calendar
    • Visitors
  • University News
  • Academics
  • Future Rangers
  • About
  • Athletics
  • Resources
    • Student
      • Email Access
      • Canvas
      • Course Schedules
      • Helpful Videos
      • Library Services
      • Self-Service
      • Student Services
      • University Calendar
      • 1098-T Forms
    • Employee
    • Canvas
    • Self-Service
    • Library Services
    • Parent and Family
    • University Calendar
    • Visitors
  • University News
  • November 22, 2024
  • NWOSU Admin

Northwestern Department of Social Work to establish Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Training Academy

Carol Stocking, (left) Instructor of Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health and Dr. Kylene Rehder, (right) chair of the Northwestern Department of Social Work, announce the upcoming Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Training Academy at Northwestern.

Northwestern Oklahoma State University’s Department of Social Work has been awarded a $40,000 grant by the Child Welfare Professional Enhancement Program Student Payback Fund Grants to establish an Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) Training Academy.

This academy will financially support university course work, training opportunities for social service professionals and offer a paid practicum experience in IECMH for a senior social work student.

Infant and early childhood mental health focuses on the social-emotional development of children from birth to age 5, highlighting the importance of secure parent-child relationships. Adverse early experiences can weaken babies’ brain development exposing them to underdeveloped social and emotional skills leaving them at risk in academics, socialization and relationship building. This academy will focus on developing the essential skills needed to foster long-term positive impacts on child welfare and community health.

Dr. Kylene Rehder, chair of the department of social work, authored the grant and will serve as the project’s principal investigator and director.

“By strengthening knowledge of IECMH, professionals can play a critical role in shaping healthier developmental trajectories for children, ensuring they receive the support needed for emotional and mental well-being,” Rehder said.

Rehder said this grant project will establish a foundation for lifelong emotional, cognitive and social well-being for young Oklahomans. The training academy would provide students and professionals in Oklahoma with knowledge on brain development, emotional regulation, social relationships, cognitive development and prevention.

IECMH Training Academy will serve as a support to an existing partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) child welfare department and the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education Workforce offering an IECMH micro-credential program. This grant is being administered by the University of Oklahoma on behalf of OKDHS to assist the department in retaining quality professional social workers in the public child welfare system.

To learn more about Northwestern’s Department of Social work programs, the training academy or the new micro-credential, contact Rehder at kdrehder@nwosu.edu or (580) 327-8135 or visit https://www.www.nwosu.edu/school-of-arts-and-sciences/social-work.

-NW-

CONTACT FOR RELEASE:
Sean J. Doherty, University Relations Specialist
sjdoherty@nwosu.edu | 580-327-8480

Share:

More Posts

Students, faculty and benefactors of the Wisdom Family Foundation Doctoral Program for Rural Nursing Practice stand in four rows on the steps of the President’s House at Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva, Oklahoma, with an American flag at left.

Northwestern DNP Students Complete 2026 Summer Residency Training in Alva

Northwestern DNP Students Complete 2026 Summer Residency Training in Alva Students, faculty and benefactors of the Wisdom Family Foundation Doctoral Program for Rural Nursing Practice

Hadley Bohlen, Brayden Stoner and Austin Rankin stand behind red insulated food carriers, wearing serving gloves and flower leis, as they hand out free food to students on the lawn during the 2025 Aloha! Northwestern event at Northwestern Oklahoma State University. A brick residence hall and students at picnic tables are in the background.

Northwestern Oklahoma State University Announces Fall 2026 Move-In and Howdy Week Dates

Northwestern Oklahoma State University Announces Fall 2026 Move-In and Howdy Week Dates Northwestern graduate Hadley Bohlen, left; former Student Government Association president and Northwestern graduate

Sean Doherty, Kelsey Martin and Valarie Case of Northwestern Oklahoma State University's University Relations department, each holding an acrylic award, stand in front of an Oklahoma College Public Relations Association backdrop at the 2026 OCPRA awards banquet at Choctaw Casino and Resort in Durant.

Northwestern University Relations Wins Grand Award for Social Media Presence at 2026 OCPRA Awards

Northwestern University Relations Wins Grand Award for Social Media Presence at 2026 OCPRA Awards The University Relations Department at Northwestern Oklahoma State University won three

Jamie Niblett, Northwestern Oklahoma State University elementary education graduate, smiles while leading a lesson in a Ringwood Public Schools classroom

A Para’s Perspective: A Mother’s Mission to Her Own Classroom

A Para’s Perspective: A Mother’s Mission to Her Own Classroom Jamie Niblett smiles while working with students at Ringwood Elementary. ALVA, Oklahoma — Every journey

PrevPreviousJ.W. Martin Library Staff Presents Upcoming Workshop ‘The Secrets of APA Style’
NextNorthwestern Jazz Ensemble in Concert Dec. 5Next
NWOSU Logo in white
  • 709 Oklahoma Blvd., Alva, OK 73717
  • Phone: (580) 327-1700
Navigation
  • Academics
  • Future Rangers
  • About
  • Athletics
  • Resources
    • Student
      • Email Access
      • Canvas
      • Course Schedules
      • Helpful Videos
      • Library Services
      • Self-Service
      • Student Services
      • University Calendar
      • 1098-T Forms
    • Employee
    • Canvas
    • Self-Service
    • Library Services
    • Parent and Family
    • University Calendar
    • Visitors
  • University News
  • Academics
  • Future Rangers
  • About
  • Athletics
  • Resources
    • Student
      • Email Access
      • Canvas
      • Course Schedules
      • Helpful Videos
      • Library Services
      • Self-Service
      • Student Services
      • University Calendar
      • 1098-T Forms
    • Employee
    • Canvas
    • Self-Service
    • Library Services
    • Parent and Family
    • University Calendar
    • Visitors
  • University News
Quick Links
  • University News
  • Online Application
  • Title IX Info
  • Sitemap
  • Employee Directory
Facebook X-twitter Instagram Snapchat Youtube Flickr Pinterest Linkedin

Mission Statement

Northwestern Oklahoma State University provides quality educational and cultural opportunities to learners with diverse needs by cultivating ethical leadership and service, critical thinking and fiscal responsibility.

RUSO logo in white

Privacy Policy | Powered by High Five Media

  • About
    • History
    • Leadership
    • Our Traditions
    • Strategic Plan
    • Employment
    • Assessment and Institutional Effectiveness
    • University Relations
    • Enid Campus
    • Woodward Campus
  • Academics
    • Academic Calendar
    • Degree Options
    • Honors Program
    • School of Arts & Sciences
    • School of Professional Studies
    • Graduate Studies
    • Course Schedules
    • Course Rotations
    • Plans of Study
    • Paying For College
    • Study Abroad
  • Admissions
    • Visit Northwestern
    • Online Programs
    • Transfer Student Information
    • Office of Recruitment
    • Prospective Student Questionnaire
  • Student Life
    • Living on Campus
    • Clubs and Organizations
    • Student Services
    • Academic Success Center
    • Library Services
    • Career Services
  • Resources
    • Email Access
    • Self-Service
    • Canvas
    • Library
    • NWOSU Bookstore
    • Campus Safety
  • Athletics
  • Alumni
  • About
    • History
    • Leadership
    • Our Traditions
    • Strategic Plan
    • Employment
    • Assessment and Institutional Effectiveness
    • University Relations
    • Enid Campus
    • Woodward Campus
  • Academics
    • Academic Calendar
    • Degree Options
    • Honors Program
    • School of Arts & Sciences
    • School of Professional Studies
    • Graduate Studies
    • Course Schedules
    • Course Rotations
    • Plans of Study
    • Paying For College
    • Study Abroad
  • Admissions
    • Visit Northwestern
    • Online Programs
    • Transfer Student Information
    • Office of Recruitment
    • Prospective Student Questionnaire
  • Student Life
    • Living on Campus
    • Clubs and Organizations
    • Student Services
    • Academic Success Center
    • Library Services
    • Career Services
  • Resources
    • Email Access
    • Self-Service
    • Canvas
    • Library
    • NWOSU Bookstore
    • Campus Safety
  • Athletics
  • Alumni