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"Always Evolving," by Jahla Brown, DCYF ESIT Partnership & Collaboration Specialist.
“If you have come here to help me you are wasting your time, but if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together.”
-Lilla Watson, a Murri (Indigenous Australian) visual artist, activist and academic working in the field of Women's issues and Aboriginal epistemology.
Please note that there will be no issue of the ESIT Weekly sent out next Fri., Jan. 19, due to ESIT's State Interagency Coordinating Council’s January 2024 Special Sesson - Performance Indicator Review, for the FFY 2022 Washington State Performance Plan and Annual Performance Report. The ESIT Weekly will resume its regular schedule on Fri., Jan. 26. Thank you!
You may know exactly what race you are, but how would you prove it if somebody disagreed with you? Jenée Desmond Harris explains in the following video:
Read more for more on how race is a social construct.
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“It is a cherished legacy to the memory of our ancestors whose hearts would be gladdened to know that the culture of our people is being passed on to generations to come.”
-Vi “taqʷšəblu” Hilbert, Native American tribal elder of the Upper Skagit, conservationist of the Lushootseed culture and its language, of which she was the last fully fluent heritage speaker.
Puget Sound baskets, photographed by Curtis, Edward S., created/published circa 1913.
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:
Lushootseed Research
What We Do - Our Mission
Lushootseed Research is a non-profit organization founded in 1983. Our mission is to preserve and sustain the language and culture of this land, to lift up all people.
In all our activities LR honors the teachings of our ancestors, the strength of their philosophy, cultural education, discipline and respect for all living things. We are dedicated to sustaining Lushootseed Language and culture through research, recording, publishing and the presentation of oral traditions and literature. We seek to enrich cross-cultural wisdom and relations, as shared and celebrated by the First Peoples of the Puget Sound, to ensure this beautiful legacy is available to the coming generations.
Vi Hilbert tells the story of the Klickitat Basket in Lushootseed
Excerpt from the film, Huchoosedah: Traditions of the Heart, (watch time 3:35):
Sources
Image: Puget Sound baskets, photographed by Curtis, Edward S., created/published circa 1913, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA. The Library of Congress is unaware of any copyright or other restrictions in the Edward S. Curtis Collection. Absent any such restrictions, these materials are free to use and reuse.
Lushootseed Research, established 1983, © Lushootseed Research 2023.
Vi Hilbert tells the story of the Klickitat Basket in Lushootseed, posted to Vimeo, by New Canoe Media.
Mark Your Calendars!
Join us virtually, as ESIT Data Systems and Analysis Manager, Kim Hopkins, guides us through the latest ESIT Annual Performance Report. The January SICC meeting is just around the corner:
Wed., Jan. 17 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Agenda TBA
If there are any questions, please reach out to DCYF ESIT Partnership & Collaboration Manager, Will Moncrease Jr., at will.moncrease@dcyf.wa.gov.
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Domestic Violence Assessment and Response Part 1 & Part 2
It can be tough to get a conversation started or to know what to say when someone shares their experience of abuse. This two-part training gives ESIT service providers practical tools to help families, including information about the role and services provided by community-based domestic violence advocacy programs:
January 30 & 31 | 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Safety Planning with Families
It can be hard to figure out what will increase the safety of a parent and child who are in a relationship with an abusive partner, especially when ending the relationship is not an option. Leave with concrete strategies for supporting survivors and families.
This training includes an interactive digitized activity where you will walk alongside a survivor’s story and have a chance to see what decisions you would make if you were In Her Shoes:
February 9 | 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Strongly Recommended Prerequisite: Domestic Violence Assessment and Response Part 1 & Part 2
What do your colleagues say about the training?
I think it is important for all home visitors to have a training in this area to at least be familiar with how to respond and support families experiencing DV … I feel more empowered to be able to connect families with the appropriate resources now … I have actually already talked to my manager about trying to get a company-wide training in this area to help our home visitors be better equipped to support families experiencing DV. -ESIT SLP
Questions?
Contact dcyf.ESITtraining@dcyf.wa.gov.
These drop-in sessions are for ESIT providers only. Providers must have received PFR Level 1, 2, or 3 training to attend.
Join ESIT providers from across Washington State and PFR Trainer Carol Good to discuss embedding the PFR consultation strategies into your everyday coaching practices.
Thurs., February 15| 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Upcoming Drop-in Sessions
- Tues., March 19| 9:30 - 11 a.m.| Register
- Mon., April 22| 9 - 10:30 a.m.| Register
- Tues., May 21| 2:30 - 4:00 p.m.| Register
- Thurs., June 27| 2:30 - 4:00 p.m.| Register
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Do you work at a local ESIT Provider Agency and bill public and/or private health insurance for ESIT Services? You are invited to join a newly formed Insurance Billing Affinity Group!
What is the Insurance Billing Affinity Group?
This informal peer-to-peer collaborative space will be limited to those who are engaged in billing at the local ESIT program level. We hope to connect as peers, exchange ideas, and collaborate to find solutions to common challenge such as:
- What have you found to be the best coding to use for specific services?
- What strategies have worked for following up on denied claims?
- What procedures does your agency have in place to ensure timely filing?
A little about the facilitator
My name is Marsha Smith and I work for Steps, formerly Toddler Learning Center. We serve Island County, San Juan County and Anacortes. I have worked here for almost 6 years, and before this my experience came from the financial industry and working in the Island Hospital billing department. My love for numbers and money has helped me be a great advocate for families and staff. I enjoy sharing what I know, and most of all learning from my peers who do the same work.
How to Join
To kick off our Billing Affinity Group, we will be hosting a virtual meet up, starting Monday, January 22. Please join us!
Mon., January 22 | 2 p.m.
Questions?
Can’t attend but interested in future events? Have questions? Email Marsha Smith, at Marsha.S@takingstepstogether.org.
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During this webinar, we will review and answer questions about the new ESIT Practice Guide- Pathways to Services for Infants and Toddlers with Deafblindness.
Deafblind specialists will be in attendance to talk about their work and answer questions from attendees. We hope you can make it!
Wed., January 24 | 3 - 4:30 p.m.
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Mark Your Calendars!
Please make plans to attend the 2024 Infant and Early Childhood Conference (IECC), hosted completely virtual via Zoom!
May 6 – 10
For conference information please visit www.ieccwa.org.
IECC plans to offer STARS Credit and Clock Hours for this event.
The purpose of the IECC Conference is to provide opportunities for families and service providers to come together to learn, share and advocate on behalf of all young children, especially those with developmental delays, disabilities and/or other special health care needs.
Call For Presenters
IECC is currently seeking proposals for its 2024 conference. The IECC Conference is well known within the State of Washington for providing high quality, evidence based training for families and professionals working with young children (ages birth to eight) and their families.
- If you or someone you know may be interested in submitting a proposal - Our submission deadline for presenter proposals is January 19. To apply online click here.
- IECC will be evaluating session proposals using a Rubric developed by DEC - we encourage presenters review our selection criteria before submitting their proposal.
IECC Partnership Opportunity
IECC is so thankful for its many community partners. Due to their support IECC has been able to shift its platform and offer the conference registration complimentary for all attendees the past few years. If your organization would be willing to partner with us please email the conference coordinator, Amanda Cardwell directly at amandacardwell@frontier.com.
As you begin a new calendar year, you may be onboarding new employees and contractors or maybe you’re beginning a new job yourself. ESIT is honored to play a part with helpful training to get you started.
Check out the details of the Initial Training Requirements on the ESIT website.
While this content is required for all new ESIT Professionals, those who have been working in field are encouraged to complete these modules and live seminars. Seasoned providers have shared how helpful it was to get a review of Part C and discuss best practice with their peers across the state.
There are plenty of open seats for the Live Seminars coming up, and you can register in the DCYF Training Portal.
Remember, ESIT professionals must complete Step 1 prior to attending Live Seminar 1.
 Questions?
For training questions, contact Adrienne O’Brien at dcyf.ESITtraining@dcyf.wa.gov or 360-972-4602.
Upcoming Training!
Full descriptions of each training including registration information is available in the 23-24 Ongoing Professional Development and Calendar.
- Promoting First Relationships Level 1 | January 17 (four sessions)
- Domestic Violence Assessment and Response | January 30 & 31
- Engaging in Challenging Conversations | January 31 (four sessions)
Newly Added Training!
Full description of each training including registration information is available in the 23-24 Ongoing Professional Development and Calendar.
- Domestic Violence Assessment and Response | Winter and Spring 2024
- Domestic Violence Safety Planning with Families | Spring 2024
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DCYF ESIT has funding available for ESIT Service Providers to offer scholarships to assist with covering costs related to WA-AIMH endorsement registration, membership, processing fees, and annual renewal fees. There are limited scholarship opportunities available. Each application is reviewed on an individual basis and applying does not guarantee an award of funds. The Washington Association of Infant Mental Health offers different levels of endorsement credentials and provides recognition of specialized knowledge in professionals working with families and young children. It is an internationally recognized credential and is for anyone who works with families and young children in the fields of early care and education, prevention and early intervention, home visiting, the medical and behavioral health professions, child welfare, mental health, policy and advocacy, research and others. Learn more about the WA-AIMH endorsement here.
Scholarship funds must be accessed by June 30 or applicants will need to re-apply after July 1.
Scholarship Opportunities
If interested in applying for WA-AIMH endorsement scholarship opportunities:
Information Sessions
WA-AIMH offers information sessions in order to ask questions, gather details, and gain a better understanding of the endorsement process. To schedule time with the endorsement coordinator or for other endorsement inquiries, please contact endorsement@wa-aimh.org.
WA-AIMH has Spanish support available for applicants going through the endorsement process. Please contact Veronica Rosa at veronica@wa-aimh.org for additional information.
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Healing the Healers: Addressing Professional Burnout
The lecture, "Healing the Healers: Addressing Professional Burnout" with Nucha Isarowong, PhD, LICSW, IMH-E, will reconsider the concept of “self-care” and propose the vital necessity for helping professionals – the healers in our communities – to engage on our individual and collective healing journeys in order to facilitate healing with families who are expecting and/or caring for young children.
This is a FREE community learning event!
Thurs., January 25 | 5 - 6:30 p.m.
The Visionary Lecture Series is funded in part by The Profectum Educational Endowment Fund Honoring Serena Wieder, PhD. Your donation allows us to offer excellent learning opportunities that are accessible to everyone. DONATE.
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Exploring Early Intervention Retention: Your Input Matters!
Early Intervention (EI) Providers,
Your insights are invaluable! Join a research study focused on understanding experiences, challenges, and job satisfaction factors impacting retention of EI providers in Washington. Your participation will help shape strategies to improve workplace satisfaction and stability, ultimately benefiting infants, toddlers, and their families.
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Who: EI Providers in Washington State,
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What: Research Study on Job Satisfaction and Retention,
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How: Participate in our survey and share your perspectives,
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When: Survey will remain open until Feb. 13.
Incentives
- Receive a $10 Tango e-gift card for completing the survey,
- Chance to win one of two $150 Visa gift cards,
- Additional entry into the drawing for each peer you refer who completes the survey,
To participate, use the QR code or link below:
Survey is available in both English and Spanish.
Questions?
For more information or help accessing the survey, contact: Molly Stryker, M.Ed. (she/her), Doctoral Candidate, University of Washington, College of Education – Special Education, mespoole@uw.edu, or call at (206)504-9888.
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Join Washington Sensory Disabilities Service (WSDS) consultants (representing Washington State School for the Blind-WSSB and Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth (CDHY), and other sensory statewide partners, as they host monthly drop-in sessions to share and discuss resources related to ESIT services for children who are blind/low vision (BLV), deaf/hard of hearing (DHH), or deafblind. Each drop-in session will have a topical focus and will offer opportunities for open questions on any topic. Register for the upcoming January and February sessions:
Three Prong Approach (TPA) for vision/hearing screening and BLV Pathways to Services
Presented by Jessica Chandler and Nancy Hatfield
Mon., Jan. 22 | 2 p.m.
DHH Training Modules and DHH Pathway to Services
Presented by Julie Walker, Kris Ching and Kerianne Christie
Mon., Feb 12 | 1 p.m.
If accommodations (such as sign language interpretation) are needed to actively participate, please email DCYF/ESIT, at dcyf.esittraining@dcyf.wa.gov, two weeks prior to sessions.
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Approximately $70 million in grants are available across three different facility types!
The Department of Commerce Behavioral Health Facilities (BHF) grant application is now open, with funding available for three categories:
- Regional Needs
- Children and Minor Youth
- Intensive Behavioral Health Treatment Facility (IBHTF)
Grant Fund Usage
Grant funds can be used for new construction, renovation, and acquisition. Funded capital projects must result in an increased number of beds or increased outpatient capacity, depending on facility type.
The competitive funding round is open to nonprofits, for-profit businesses, public entities, and Tribes who are either a community hospital or a community-based behavioral health provider.
Application Process
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Applications opened: Tuesday, December 12, 2023
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Pre-applications due: Monday, January 29, 2024, at midnight
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Final application due: Monday, February 12, 2024, at midnight
Application must be submitted through ZoomGrants. Each category has its own ZoomGrants link, which can be found on the BHF website.
Before beginning an application, please review the Program Guidelines, Notice of Funding Opportunity, and Frequently Asked Questions documents found on the BHF webpage.
Questions?
Technical assistance available until Thurs., February 8, at: BHFInquiry@commerce.wa.gov.
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DIR 201: Promoting Basic Functional Emotional Developmental Capacities
Big Picture Thinking
- Students successfully completing this course will demonstrate the ability to describe the central ideas of each of the first four functional emotional developmental capacities of the DIRFloortime® Model.
- Students successfully completing this course will demonstrate the ability to describe at least three basic, discipline-specific concepts related to the following areas: sensory reactivity, processing and motor planning development, receptive and expressive language development, and visual spatial development.
- Students successfully completing this course will demonstrate the ability to describe at least three ways to identify and embrace caregivers' and individuals' strengths, respecting and promoting their right for self-determination.
- Students successfully completing this course will be able to cite scientific evidence supporting the DIRFloortime® approach.
DIR 201 Offerings
- Tuesdays| January 16 - April 16, 2024| 4 a.m. - 6 a.m.| Register
- Sundays| January 21 - May 5, 2024| 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.| Register
- Mondays| January 22 - April 29, 2024| 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.| Register
- Mondays| January 29 - May 6, 2024| 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.| Register
- Mondays| January 29 - April 29, 2024| 12 a.m. - 2 a.m.| Register
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Mental health conditions are the leading preventable cause of maternal mortality.
Maternal mental health (which includes anxiety, depression, mood disorders, psychosis, and post-traumatic stress disorder) affects one in seven birthing women and nearly one in four new mothers of color experiencing postpartum depression. It also intersects with many societal issues, including child development, housing, and family economic security. Yet most pregnant and parenting people of color don't get the help they need.
These inequities directly impact how the problem is defined, who is leading the work, how programs are built and sustained, how success is defined and measured, and how systems and policies do or don't address the families who need maternal mental health supports the most.
Given this reality, several funders joined together to develop the Maternal Mental Health Equity Fund (MMHEF), a nationally focused pooled fund that directly supports the mental health and well-being of BIPOC families.
Request for Proposals
MMHEF will be investing in a national cohort of organizations and leaders, from within communities and across the country, who are delivering models of care that are built in and by BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) communities. We are launching an open request for proposals for interested organizations and leaders. We are seeking programs or initiatives that are: 1. Built within and by BIPOC communities 2. Led by BIPOC leaders with a community-oriented focus 3. Demonstrating impact and addressing maternal mental health inequity. The RFP is targeting organizations or initiatives with project budgets of $250,000 to $1,000,000. Selected grantees will become partners in a 3-year national Learning Community with funding ranging from $50,000 - $100,000 per year.
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ELIGIBILITY: Download the Request for Proposals for details and proposal questions.
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PROPOSAL DUE DATE: Friday, January 12, at 11:59 p.m.
About the Maternal Mental Health Equity Fund
MMHEF is a national pooled fund that is currently supported by Perigee Fund, W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Community Health Acceleration Partnership (CHAP), Maritz Family Foundation, and Roots & Wings Foundation, as well as several others who are actively exploring joining the fund.
Questions?
Reach out to the project team at contactmmhef@gmail.com.
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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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