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Past and Future by Jahla Brown, DCYF ESIT Partnership & Collboration Specialist. Pictured in lenses of sunglasses: W.E.B. Du Bois, Nelson Mandela, Bessy Coleman, Maya Angelou, Malcom X, Rosa Parks, Barack Obama, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Harriet Tubman.
“You have to get over the fear of facing the worst in yourself. You should instead fear unexamined racism. Fear the thought that right now, you could be contributing to the oppression of others and you don't know it. But do not fear those who bring that oppression to light. Do not fear the opportunity to do better.”
― Ijeoma Oluo, American writer, author of So You Want to Talk About Race
Design unveiled for Billy Frank Jr. statue that will be displayed at U.S. Capitol
Seeing the design of a statue of his father that will eventually sit in the U.S. Capitol, Willie Frank III said he was almost moved to tears.
The mockup of the statue depicts tribal leader and fishing rights activist Billy Frank Jr. overlooking water, with salmon at his feet. It’s a design that Washington leaders say speaks to Frank’s friendliness and openness to working together.
“It truly is a blessing,” Willie Frank III said.
A model of Washington’s forthcoming addition to the National Statuary Hall in Washington, D.C., was unveiled Wednesday to a packed, teary-eyed room of state lawmakers, tribal leaders and activists. Read full article:
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Black and white photo of Billy Frank, Jr. fishing the Nisqually River, 1973.
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:
THIS IS INDIAN COUNTRY, with Billy Frank Jr., was the legendary Native activist’s last major project before he passed away in May 2014. He had completed two of the nine specials he and director Michael Harris mapped out for the series – an urgent piece on the climate crisis from the perspective of the great whaling people of the Arctic, and the powerful “Native Alaska & The Big Spill,” which took Billy to villages still reeling from the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill. The latter won him his first-ever Emmy Award in the coveted category of “Outstanding On-Air Host or Moderator.” At 79, he was the oldest recipient of an Emmy in Regional Chapter history.
Learn more about how BECU Foundation, Washington Wild and THIS IS INDIAN COUNTRY teamed up on this extraordinary Indigenous Climate Oral History Project:
Watch the trailer (watch time 2:21):
Tribal Habitat Strategy
“As the salmon disappear, so do our cultures and treaty rights. We are at a crossroads, and we are running out of time.” – Billy Frank Jr., Nisqually Tribe, Native American environmental leader and advocate for treaty rights.
These words of the late tribal leader Billy Frank Jr. convey the urgency that drives the treaty Indian tribes in western Washington to confront the habitat loss that threatens our cultures, economies and ways of life.
Despite massive cuts in harvest, strategic use of hatcheries and continued financial investment in salmon habitat restoration over the past 40 years, salmon continue to decline along with their habitat.
gw∂dzadad (pronounced gwa-zah-did) is a tribal approach to identifying and protecting the lands, waters and ecological processes critical to our rights, resources and homelands.
As translated from Lushootseed, gw∂dzadad means, “Teaching of our Ancestors.” It acknowledges that our beliefs and teachings are learned within our homelands, which can never be separated from tribal culture and heritage. It asserts that we have traditional ways of protecting the lands and waters that sustain us.
Learn more about The Habitat Strategy and watch an introduction explaining, what is the habitat strategy? (watch time 1:05):
Sources
Design unveiled for Billy Frank Jr. statue that will be displayed at U.S. Capitol, by Laurel Demkovich - January 10, 2024, © Washington State Standard, 2024.
THIS IS INDIAN COUNTRY, produced by Baby Wild Films, Indigenous Climate Oral History Project, © 2012.
THIS IS INDIAN COUNTRY, Posted to Vimeo by Baby Wild Films, 2018.
What is the habitat strategy?, posted to YouTube by Northwest Treaty Tribes, May 1, 2018.
We are looking for an ACORN Training and Technical Assistance (TA) Coordinator (MA4) to join our ESIT State Leadership Team!
As the ACORN Training and TA Coordinator, you'll provide advanced professional analysis on complex data collections and report issues impacting early support services and ESIT program policies and procedures statewide. You'll ensure early intervention provider agencies comply with state and federal early intervention data-related laws and regulations. You'll coordinate and manage complex data management structures, co-create training materials, and lead process improvement procedures that support the ongoing and effective statewide use of ACORN. You'll also work with external organizations to monitor proposals and identify potential changes to data-related state policies and procedures. This position closes Tues., Feb. 20.
Click below to learn more about this position and apply:
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The February SICC meeting is just around the corner! Please join us virtually:
Wed., Feb. 21 | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Agenda TBA
For Review
The draft October 2023 and draft January APR 2024 meeting minutes have been posted to ESIT's SICC Meetings page for review. If there are needed edits to either the October or January meeting minutes, please email Will Moncrease Jr.
SICC Direct List
If you would like your email added to the SICC direct email list to receive the agenda and meeting materials in advance of upcoming SICC meetings, email Will Moncrease Jr., with the subject: Add me to SICC DL.
Questions?
Please contact DCYF ESIT Partnership & Collaboration Manager, Will Moncrease, Jr., at will.moncrease@dcyf.wa.gov.
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The Pathways to Services for Infants and Toddlers Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing Practice Guide is now available on the Practice Guidance page of the ESIT website under the dropdown titled, “Blind/Low Vision and Deaf/Hard of Hearing Resources.”
This Practice Guide describes the roles of Deaf/Hard of Hearing (DHH) specialists in ESIT and explains pathways to providing ESIT DHH-related supports.
Past guidance on deaf/hard of hearing services was combined with information on deafblind services and blind/low vision services. Going forward, this guidance will be organized into three separate Practice Guides. On February 9, the 2016 Infants and Toddlers with Sensory Disabilities practice guidance will be removed from the ESIT website and archived.
Much gratitude goes to the following groups for their collaboration and feedback:
- WA Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth
- WA Sensory Disabilities Services DeafBlind Program
- WA State School for the Blind
- WA Department of Health Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- WA Department of Health Early Hearing Detection, Diagnosis and Intervention Program
- National Center on Deaf-Blindness
- FRCs, Early Childhood Educators, Teachers of the Deaf, and Teachers of Children with Visually Impairment from ESIT Provider Agencies across WA state
If you have questions or need more information, please contact your regional Technical Assistance Specialist: Diana Golovkin (diana.golovikin@dcyf.wa.gov), Michell Baker (michelle.baker@dcyf.wa.gov) or Iris Dunaway (iris.dunaway@dcyf.wa.gov.)
County Lead Agency (CLA) and Direct DCYF-Contracted ESIT Provider Representatives:
*CLAs, please share with your contractors*
During this webinar, we will review and answer questions about the new ESIT Practice Guide- Pathways to Services for Infants and Toddlers Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.
ESIT providers of deaf/hard of hearing supports will be in attendance to talk about their work and answer questions from attendees.
This will not be a training on how to work with children who are deaf or hard of hearing. We will be presenting an overview of ESIT DHH-related services and the ways to connect families to those services. We hope you can make it!
Wed., February 21 | 3 – 4:30 p.m.
American Sign Language interpretation and live transcription will be available during this event.
For questions, please contact Maia Thomas, at maia.thomas@dcyf.wa.gov or (360) 599-0794.
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In collaboration with the State Interagency Coordinating Council Personnel and Training Sub-Committee, the ESIT State Leadership Office is pleased to announce the soft roll out of the new ESIT Credential for FRCs beginning in February to introduce and field test the process. A firm roll out for the credential requirements is planned for July 1, following a 90-day communication cycle starting April 1.
Beginning February 1, newly hired Family Resources Coordinators (FRC) will receive an ESIT Credential once they complete all initial training requirements and submit a credential application.
This Initial ESIT Credential replaces the previous FRC registration and will signify all initial training requirements have been met and that the FRC is qualified to provide service coordination. Caseloads can continue to be assigned after FRCs complete Step 1 of the training requirements.
All other FRCs who have previously completed the training required at the time they were hired are encouraged to apply for the ESIT Credential. There is no need to complete additional training. Original FRC training completion will be verified as part of the application process.
The ESIT FRC Credential Guidance can be found on the ESIT In-Service Training Framework webpage.
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Questions? Please contact ESIT's Workforce Development Specialist, Lori Holbrook, at dcyf.ESITtraining@dcyf.wa.gov.
Upcoming
Full descriptions of each training including registration information is available in the 23-24 Ongoing Professional Development and Calendar.
- Domestic Violence Safety Planning with Families | Spring
- Foundations of Reflective Practice | February 1
- Foundations of Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health | February 21 (5 sessions)
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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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Check out the new professional development video detailing information about some of the wonderful training opportunities available at no cost for ESIT Service Providers and Professionals! In this video you’ll hear from leadership members from both the University of Washington (UW) and the Washington Association for Infant Mental Health (WA-AIMH) detailing important information about many training opportunities.
This video shares information about:
- Infant Family Relational Health (IFRH) and Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) training opportunities
- The benefits of gaining knowledge in these areas, including the WA-AIMH Endorsement and Reflective Consultation
- Where to go for more information
UW PFR and WA-AIMH Professional Development Opportunities (watch time 11:52):
For more information or to register for these training opportunities, please visit the 23-24 Ongoing Professional Development and Calendar Document.
Questions? Email dcyf.ESITtraining@dcyf.wa.gov.
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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.
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.
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 for 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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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, deaf/hard of hearing, or deafblind. Each drop-in session will have a topical focus and will offer opportunities for open questions on any topic.
For those who may need accommodations for active participation, please complete this form to assure appropriate accommodations are arranged.
February Planned Topic
FRC/ESIT Service Provider Training Modules (created by EHDDI) and DHH Practice Guide with Julie Walker (EHDDI), Kerianne Christie (CDHY), and Kris Ching (CDHY):
Feb 12 | 1 p.m.
March Planned Topic
Effective teaming strategies when working with BLV and DHH specialists on IFSP teams with Kerianne Christie (CDHY) and Jessica Chandler (WSSB):
March 25 | 1 p.m.
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Emergency Broadband Benefit Funds Available
The WA Office of Broadband has funds available to assist families with internet costs. More details on this benefit and how to apply are located here.
Discounted Internet Service Available to Low-Income Households
The federal Affordable Connectivity Program offers eligible households a high-speed internet plan for no more than $30 per month. More details on this program and how to apply are located here.
Digital Navigation Toolkit Available
Digital Health Navigators are individuals who address the whole digital inclusion process - connectivity, devices, and digital skills - to support community members and provide access to healthcare. The National Consortium of Telehealth Resource Centers (NCTRC) has released a new toolkit that provides helpful resource links relating to digital navigation.
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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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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
- 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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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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