CA AB2429

Modifies reimbursement requirements for early childhood mental health consultation services in California state preschool and childcare programs by replacing twice-yearly setting-based mental health assessments with at least one classroom observation per school year using an early care and education classroom observation tool.

Removes the requirement that providers conduct screening of each enrolled child for adverse childhood experiences and buffering factors (with parental consent) in order to receive reimbursement for consultation services.

Retains requirements that consultation services use a relationship-based model, maintain adequate recordkeeping of all consultation activities, and be provided by licensed or license-eligible mental health professionals with specified qualifications.

Applies to both the California State Preschool Program (Education Code Section 8243) and general childcare and development programs serving children ages 0-5 (Welfare and Institutions Code Section 10281).