Northwestern Social Work’s Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Micro-Credential Program Finding Success

September 23, 2025

Jenna Maier (center), an Alva senior social work major, was one of the first Northwestern students to earn the Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Micro-Credential from Dr. Kylene Rehder (left), Northwestern Department of Social Work chair and Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health Academy director, and Dr. Steven Maier (right), Northwestern Dean of Faculty.

ALVA, Okla. — The Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health micro-credential program facilitated by Northwestern Oklahoma State University’s Department of Social Work is proving to be a successful program.

Designed to equip social service professionals and students with the knowledge and skills to support young children’s mental health and development, the program has seen 27 professionals successfully complete the micro-credential with an additional 25 currently enrolled as of September 2025.

“The growing demand for this micro-credential reflects a rising awareness of the vital role early mental health plays in lifelong development,” said Dr. Kylene Rehder, Northwestern Department of Social Work chair and program director of the Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health Training Academy. “By equipping professionals with specialized knowledge in infant and early childhood mental health, we are responding to a critical workforce need and empowering individuals to make a meaningful, lasting impact on the lives of young children and families across our state.”

Developed by Northwestern’s Department of Social Work with guidance from Oklahoma Human Services and Western Plains Youth and Family Services, the program emphasizes the critical importance of nurturing parent-infant relationships and promoting secure attachments.

Participants must complete one three-credit-hour course in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health and six clock hours of approved training in the field. This curriculum offers a comprehensive foundation and is delivered by social work faculty, alongside leaders in early childhood mental health. Courses and trainings are available both in-person and via distance education, offering flexibility to accommodate diverse student needs.

A limited number of scholarships are available through the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education’s Workforce Micro-Credentials and Rapid Re-Employment Initiative. These scholarships are designed to support eligible students pursuing this credential and entering a high-demand field.

Micro-credentials serve as a valuable form of certification, allowing professionals to demonstrate specialized skills and advance their careers through continuing education. The Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health micro-credential offers practical tools for professionals working in early intervention, case management and family support services. The micro-credential is designed specifically for social service professionals seeking to deepen their expertise in infant and early childhood mental health.

For more information on how to get enrolled in this micro-credential, contact Rehder at kdrehder@nwosu.edu or (580) 327-8135. Additional information on the Northwestern Department of Social Work may be found at www.nwosu.edu/school-of-arts-and-sciences/social-work.

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Media Contact:
Sean J. Doherty, University Relations Specialist
Email: sjdoherty@nwosu.edu
Phone: (580) 327-8480