The purpose of this certificate program is to support the social, emotional and relational development of infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and their families. Each course is infused with a culturally sensitive lens. The certificate program can be taken as a standalone professional development and skills-building program. However, some credits earned may apply to a Master’s degree earned at Western New Mexico University. This certificate program will provide you with an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and develop the competencies relevant to pursuing endorsement as an Infant Family Specialist, Infant Mental Health Specialist, or Infant Mental Health Mentor. These courses also support some of the requirements for becoming a Registered Play Therapist (Michigan Association for Infant Mental Health/Competency Guidelines). These classes will support a portion of the graduate course requirements needed for becoming a Registered Play Therapist. The Theories class will support some of the play hours in Play Therapy Skills and Methods required to becoming a Registered Play Therapist. (Association for Play Therapy/Credentialing).