CA AB2698

Establishes an adjustment factor of 1.05 for children receiving early childhood mental health consultation services in California state preschool programs, infant/toddler (0-36 months) general child care programs, and family child care home education networks (0-5 years).

Defines early childhood mental health consultation services to include support for children with disabilities and challenging behaviors, individual site consultations, provider skill development, and strategies for addressing internalizing and externalizing behavioral problems.

Requires mental health consultants to be licensed therapists, social workers, counselors, or psychologists with at least 3 years of experience with children ages 0-5, at least 2 years holding their license, and current continuing education compliance.

Permits combined adjustment factors for children who qualify for multiple criteria: the base adjustment factor (1.54-2.44 for infants, toddlers, exceptional needs, etc.) plus 0.05 if mental health consultation services are also provided.

Specifies that adjustment factor reimbursements shall not increase a provider's total annual allocation and must be used for special and appropriate services for eligible children.