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Remember the Future, Celebrate the Past. 2023 Olympia Pride design by Jahla Brown, DCYF ESIT Partnership & Collaboration Specialist.
“The secret of our success is that we never, never give up. One of the things my parents taught me, and I'll always be grateful ... is to not ever let anybody else define me; [but] for me to define myself.” – Wilma Mankiller, activist, social worker, community developer and the first woman elected to serve as Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation
There are exciting changes afoot at the ESIT state office!
After nearly a year of planning for the best possible transition, I will be stepping into the metaphorical phone booth on July 30, leaving behind the trappings of my role as Program Administrator/Part C Coordinator and stepping out into my newly identified role as Technical Assistance Manager on August 1. I'm thrilled to continue to engage in the systems work I love in a more focused role, leading a fantastic team of regional Technical Assistance Specialists.
Serving in my current role for nearly eight years has been an amazing experience. The best part has been working with you - yes, you! Whether you are a fellow leader on the ESIT state team, a state or local partner, a service provider or most importantly a family receiving services. I have learned so much from all of you.
“A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.”- Christopher Reeve
You are all heroes sharing in the challenging and important work of supporting infants, toddlers and the essential people in their lives-- impacting trajectories across a lifetime. There is no more important work.
Valerie ‘Val’ Arnold will be stepping into her new role as Senior Administrator for the ESIT state program on August 1. The ‘S’ at the beginning of her new title might also stand for: skilled, smart, steadfast, spunky and yes — SUPER. Val has been providing, and will continue to provide, support and stability (yup, two more ‘S’ words) for the ESIT statewide system.
Please do stay in touch! My position is changing, but my email remains the same and I would love to hear from you: laurie.thomas@dcyf.wa.gov.
With tremendous gratitude,
Laurie Thomas
Ms. Linda reads a moving and empowering true story for young readers that traces the life of the Gay Pride Flag, from its beginnings in 1978 with social activist Harvey Milk and designer Gilbert Baker to its spanning of the globe and its role in today’s world. Award-winning author Rob Sanders’s stirring text, and acclaimed illustrator Steven Salerno’s evocative images, combine to tell this remarkable—and under-told—story. A story of love, hope, equality, and pride (watch time 5:35):
Read here for more details about the very first picture book about the remarkable and inspiring story of the Gay Pride Flag!
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Each week, DCYF ESIT Tribal Program Specialist, Brian Frisina, provides a key topic to help us get to know our Tribal Nation Partners better.
This week’s term is:
Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA)
The Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families (ACF), in collaboration with the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ), hosts a web-based dialogue on State ICWA Laws: Lessons Learned & Where Are We Going?
The webinar will address State ICWA laws and their implementation to address Indian family integrity in support of the gold standard values in the federal ICWA passed by congress in 1978. This past 2023 legislative session, eight states introduced ICWA legislation to amend an existing comprehensive state ICWA or introduce a new comprehensive state ICWA to join the already 10 states that have an ICWA law in their state. Wyoming is the most recent state to pass a new law just this year. This conversation will be moderated by Sheldon Spotted Elk, Senior Director of Judicial National Engagement at Casey Family Programs. Panelists include:
- Barbara Atwood, Professor of Law Emerita, University of Arizona James E. Rodgers College of Law
- Representative Lloyd Larsen, Wyoming state Representative
- Tleena Ives (Port Gamble S’Klallam), Director of Tribal Relations Washington DCYF
- Cindy Aragon, Assistant General Counsel at the CYFD Office of General Counsel
Sources
Collaborative Conversations: State ICWA Laws: Lessons Learned & Where Are We Going? Uploaded to YouTube, May 15, 2023 by Administration for Children and Families (ACF).
When the ACORN ESIT data system is implemented this August:
- a new Qualifying Diagnoses List will become active in ACORN.
- an updated searchable PDF of the Qualifying Diagnoses List will be posted to the ESIT Practice Guidance page of the ESIT DCYF website.
- an updated Qualifying Diagnoses List Guidance Document will be posted to the ESIT Practice Guidance page of the ESIT DCYF website.
In advance of these changes, the ESIT Workforce Development team invites to you an introductory webinar. This webinar will:
- Briefly cover the history and purpose of Qualifying Diagnoses lists.
- Describe the new list and how it differs from the current list.
- Describe how to document qualifying diagnoses in the new ACORN data management system.
- Provide an opportunity for attendees to submit questions about the new list.
Tues., July 11 | 2 – 3:30 p.m.
If you need interpreting supports or accommodations for this webinar, please contact maia.thomas@dcyf.wa.gov.
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ESIT is happy to announce that registration is open for the 2023-24 Live Seminar series, previously known as the Professional Learning Community (PLC) Cohorts.
The Live Seminars are Step 2 of the Initial Training for staff hired after July 1, 2021. The seminars are designed for new ESIT service providers and program administrators to explore the implementation of ESIT services. ESIT professionals hired prior to July 1, 2021, are encouraged to attend as a refresher and to get the most current statewide learning content. All ESIT professionals who register for the Live Seminars must complete all Step 1 self-paced modules prior to attending Seminar 1. Staff hired after July 1, 2021, who have already completed required training do not need to attend the Live Seminar series.
The Live Seminars are a series of three (3) live virtual sessions. The live seminars must be attended in order, but not necessarily within the same month. They will each be offered monthly over the next contract year. Please log in to the DCYF Training Portal to find Live Seminar session dates that work for your schedule. When registering, ESIT professionals will register for each of the seminars individually.
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Three-Pronged Approach Protocol for Screening Vision and Hearing
New Materials Now Available on the ESIT Website
All ESIT-enrolled children must have their hearing and vision addressed in their IFSPs. Using the Three-Pronged Approach (TPA) is a great way to do that.
ESIT has published several new TPA forms and guides for use by providers and a flyer for families. Many of these are being translated into a variety of languages. More information on translations will be available soon.
Check out the new TPA materials on the ESIT Practice Guide webpage under the Blind/Low Vision and Deaf/Hard of Hearing Resources dropdown.
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DCYF Grant Application for FFY 2023 IDEA Part C Funds
Washington State has adopted policies and procedures to ensure public participation in the annual grant application for the Individual with Disabilities Act (IDEA) Part C funds. The 60-day public participation period was from March 14 – May 14, and two virtual public hearings were held on April 18 and April 26. The final Part C Grant Application, including the updated budget, is posted on the ESIT Contract Materials page:
For questions, please contact Lauren Thompson, ESIT Resource Allocations Manager, at lauren.thompson@dcyf.wa.gov.
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Change to ESIT COVID-19 Reentry Plan Stage 3 Deliverable
In light of recent public health developments and the end to the state and national states of emergency, DCYF ESIT is rescinding the contract requirement and deliverable that ESIT Provider Agencies submit a Stage 3 Reentry Plan as outlined in the Multi-Stage Reentry Framework for Reentry to In-Person Services. DCYF commends those Provider Agencies who thoughtfully made the transition to in-person services in ways that prioritized staff and family safety and thorough communication with families.
As COVID-19 emergency declarations end, it’s important to acknowledge that COVID-19 and other communicable diseases remain potential workplace and community hazards. The DCYF ESIT State Leadership Office strongly recommends:
- Drawing on the same individualized, sensitive, and supportive approach to safety, in line with ESIT’s Guiding Principles, that has guided our services throughout the pandemic.
- The use of vaccinations and masking as primary strategies to protect children, families, and providers.
- Each Provider Agency use the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic to create an agency protocol and plan to address ongoing and emerging issues of disease and infection control.
Ongoing updates and more information may be found at the following state COVID-19 webpages:
If you have questions, please contact your regional Technical Assistance Specialist or Laurie Thomas, ESIT Program Administrator, at laurie.thomas@dcyf.wa.gov.
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Parent-Child Interaction (PCI) Feeding and Teaching Scale Virtual Workshops!
This training opportunity is being offered as part of our State Systemic Improvement Plan (SSIP) and ESIT provider course fees are covered by DCYF/ESIT. These groups are for ESIT providers only.
ESIT has limited spots available to attend the PCI Feeding and/or Teaching Workshops through the University of Washington! At the very foundation of infant mental health is the ability to skillfully observe a caregiver and their infant during an interaction. We know that attuned caregiver-child interactions lead to better health and mental health outcomes for children. We also know that interactions can range from attuned to mis-attuned, or somewhere in the middle. Learning the PCI Feeding and Teaching scales provides the training and practice needed to conduct a reliable and valid observation of a caregiver-infant interaction. This training gives you concrete areas to guide services and encourage positive parent-child interactions. Register below for one or both of the available training opportunities!
FEEDING Virtual Workshop
Workshop filled.
TEACHING Virtual Workshop
July 25 – 28, 31, August 1
Please see the flyer for more information. Registration is reserved on a first come, first served basis.
To register, please email pcrp@uw.edu.
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Save the Date: June 14 PFR Drop-In Session
Join ESIT providers from across Washington State and PFR Trainer Carol Good to discuss embedding the PFR consultation strategies into your everyday coaching practices. There will be a panelist of providers (PT, SLP and Educator) attending various sessions to discuss ways to embed PFR practices into their work with children and families. These drop-in sessions are for ESIT providers only. Providers must have received PFR Level 1, 2, or 3 training to attend.
What topics can you bring to the session?
Explore:
- Writing IFSP outcomes that have a social/emotional component
- Discuss which PFR handouts can be paired easily with IFSP outcomes
- Using video to support social and emotional development while also supporting other areas of development
Share:
- Struggles with utilizing the PFR consultation strategies with families
- Videos of parent-child interactions from your caseload
- Triumphs of embedding PFR into ESIT services
Receive:
- Expert consultation from PFR trainer
- Support in developing your PFR practice
- Answers to your PFR questions
Wed., June 14 | 2:30 - 4 p.m. | PT panelist attending:
Mark your calendars!
Mark your calendars for the dates below and be on the lookout for registration information for upcoming dates.
Check back for updates regarding more panelists attending.
Drop-In Session Dates
- Wed., June 14 | 2:30 - 4 p.m. (PT panelist attending)
- Wed., July 26 | 10 - 11:30 a.m. (PT panelist attending)
- Wed., August 9 | 2:30 - 4 p.m.
- Thurs., Sept. 14 | 3 - 4:30 p.m. (PT panelist attending)
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Register for Promoting First Relationships (PFR) Level 1 Training!
This training opportunity is being offered as part of our State Systemic Improvement Plan (SSIP) and ESIT provider course fees are covered by DCYF/ESIT. These groups are for ESIT providers only.
Providers participate in 14 hours of workshop training and come away with foundational knowledge in attachment theory and promoting secure caregiver-child relationships, development of self for infants through preschoolers, understanding and intervening with challenging behaviors, building caregiver reflective capacity, and use of PFR consultation strategies. Providers receive reproducible, illustrated parent/caregiver handouts that contain easy to understand information about trusting relationships and healthy social-emotional development that can be shared immediately with the families that they work with. Providers are able to bring the knowledge that they have learned directly to families. Please see the attached flyer for more information on PFR Level 1 and how to register. Choose one option below:
- August 23, 25, 29 & 31 | 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- September 18 – 21 | 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
To register, email pcrp@uw.edu and include agency name and workshop option.
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Open Spots Available for Promoting First Relationships (PFR) Training Levels 2 and 3!
This training opportunity is being offered as part of our State Systemic Improvement Plan (SSIP) and ESIT provider course fees are covered by DCYF/ESIT. These groups are for ESIT providers only.
Level 2 Certified Provider Training
For ESIT agencies who do not currently have a PFR Level 3 Agency Trainer, DCYF has limited spots available for providers to participate in PFR Level 2 Training. If your agency already has a PFR Level 3 trainer, they are able to provide PFR Level 2 training to your current PFR Level 1 providers. Click here to visit PFR's website to learn more details about Level 2 Certified Provider Training.
Level 3 Agency Trainer Training
For ESIT agencies who have a certified PFR Level 2 provider interested in becoming a PFR Level 3 Agency Trainer, DCYF has limited spots available for providers to participate in PFR Level 3 training. PFR Level 3 trainers are able to train current PFR Level 1 providers at your agency to become PFR Level 2 trained. Click here to visit PFR's website to learn more details about Level 3 Agency Trainer Training.
To sign up, contact DCYF ESIT Special Projects Coordinator, Ciara Saalfeld at ciara.saalfeld@dcyf.wa.gov.
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Registration Open for Training Opportunities Provided by WA-AIMH!
These training opportunities are being offered as part of our State Systemic Improvement Plan (SSIP) and ESIT provider course fees are covered by DCYF/ESIT. These groups are for ESIT providers only.
Reflective Practice Training
Reflective practice is the regular consideration of how one’s beliefs, values, and responses impact behavior, interactions, and relationships with others. This workshop introduces the concept of reflective practice and how this supports work with infants, young children, and families. Participants will gain understanding of how their relationships with families in turn impact caregiver-child relationships through a parallel process. They will consider how their own background and emotional responses to infants, children, and families impact their work and will learn strategies for incorporating reflection into their everyday practice. We are excited to announce that the May 1 training will be provided in Spanish. Please register for one of the training options below:
Introduction to Reflective Supervision for Supervisors Training
This training is for Supervisors who have participated in reflective supervision and want to become Reflective Supervisors. This training covers skills and best practices, followed by a monthly reflective supervision peer group to share your journey as you put your reflective supervision skills into place with your team. Please register below:
- June 5, 6, 8 | 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Register
Questions?
Email DCYF ESIT Special Projects Coordinator, Ciara Saalfeld at ciara.saalfeld@dcyf.wa.gov.
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Dear Parents and Guardians, Tribal Partners, DCYF Community Partners and Stakeholders,
DCYF is excited to announce the recruitment of parents and guardians for the Department of Children, Youth, and Families’ Parent Advisory Group (PAG)! At DCYF, we believe parents are their children’s first and most important teachers. PAG is a sounding board for decisions, ideas and questions that shape the future of DCYF. Parental involvement in decision-making is the key to having policies and programs that support families’ strengths and needs. The PAG is made up of parents and family caregivers of children, from prenatal through 17 years old.
To apply, please complete the application (English PAG application, Spanish PAG application, or Somali PAG application) or call Community Engagement Manager, Emily Morgan at 360-999-0009. Applications must be submitted by June 30. If you know someone who might be interested, feel free to share! We look forward to partnering with you and bettering the lives of children, youth, and families.
Sincerely,
DCYF Community Engagement Team
dcyf.communityengagement@dcyf.wa.gov
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Deaf Leadership International Alliance (DLIA) will be presenting a webinar focusing on visual strategies used by deaf adults with young children. During the webinar a panel of deaf professionals from Ghana, Iran, New Zealand and United States will share visual strategies from the tip sheet that was released September 23, 2022.
Thurs., June 15 | 12 - 1 p.m.
This event is made possible with support from the Hunter College School of Education.
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Calling all caregivers with more than one little one! The Lab for Early Auditory Perception at University of Washington Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences (I-LABS) is currently recruiting infants under six months to co-enroll with a biological older sibling in the Sibling Language Development study. The goal is to identify early signs of atypical language development in the infant brain and provide valuable insight to support early intervention strategies. Participating will involve a visit with the research team's licensed speech-language pathologist for your older child and potentially three additional visits to measure your infant's neural processing of speech non-invasively at 6, 12, and 14 months of age. Caregivers will be compensated up to $250 in universal gift cards for their time.
Participation Criteria
- Families with an infant under 6 months and a child 3 years or older.
- Infant has at least one immediate family member exhibiting speech/language difficulties.
- Predominant language in the infant’s environment is English.
All caregivers interested in participating with their children will be asked to complete a brief screening form to determine eligibility prior to enrollment.
To learn more about the Sibling Language Development study and enroll your family, please reach out to the research team directly at babyleap@uw.edu.
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More professionals than ever before are joining DIRFloortime® courses. There are many options from DIR 101 through all of the professional certificate level courses starting with DIR 201. We invite you to join the developmental movement. Now is the time:
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Workshops offered by the Infant Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) Workforce Collaborative are free for professionals who serve or support children prenatal to five and their families enrolled in Apple Health (Medicaid).
- IECMH Clinical Workshops are designed for clinical professionals involved in mental health assessment and diagnosis for children birth to five.
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IECMH Community Workshops are intended for all professionals who support the social-emotional well-being of babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and their families, as well as expecting families.
For more information visit:
CEUs and/or STARS hours are provided for most workshops.
Questions? Contact admin@wa-aimh.org.
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Washington State School for the Blind is updating its strategic plan and wants to know your priorities!
What services would you like to see for:
- blind/low vision ESIT-enrolled children,
- their caregivers,
- and the professionals who serve them?
Share your feedback with this quick 7-question survey:
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For more updates, subscribe directly to these great newsletters:
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