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Please note that there will be no issue of the ESIT Weekly sent out next week, Friday, Nov. 14, in observance of Veteran’s Day (Nov. 11). The ESIT Weekly will resume its regular schedule on Friday Nov. 21.
Thank you!
“We are older than American.”
-John Trudell, Native American author, poet, actor, musician, and political activist
Each week, DCYF ESIT Tribal Program Consultant, Brian Frisina, provides a key topic to help us get to know our Tribal Nation Partners better.
This week’s term is:
Let Us Celebrate American Indian Heritage Month
National Native American Heritage Month
November 2025 is Native American Heritage Month, a time to honor the history, culture, and contributions of Indigenous peoples of the Americas. Key observances include #RockYourMocs Day on November 15 and Red Shawl Day on November 19, which highlights the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit people crisis. Many organizations, like the Smithsonian Institution and various libraries, host events, exhibitions, and online resources to celebrate the month.
Washington Tribes Explained
From the unique agreement with local, state and federal governments to the sources of income, Washington state tribes operate differently. Protecting the environment, building communities, and preserving culture are just a few of the main guiding principles that Native people in Washington live by. Learn about how for tribes, "the bottom line isn't always the bottom line" (watch time 5:53):
Washington Tribes explained
"... we look at economic systems as being power but in reality, the economic system is basically a system of authority [...] power really is about our relationship to life." Listen to John Trudell's insights on today's world and our connection to the earth (12:21):
John Trudell: Columbus Day & "The Virus"
DVD Recommendation
Noho Hewa: The Wrongful Occupation of Hawai'i: In the Hawaiian language, hewa means “wrong” and noho means “to occupy”. This documentary is a contemporary look at Hawaiian people, politics and resistance in the face of their systematic erasure under U.S. laws, economy, militarism, and real estate speculation. It is a raw, unscripted story that makes critical links between seemingly unrelated industries and is told from the perspective of Hawaiians. Watch the trailer.
About The Filmmaker
Anne Keala Kelly is a Hawaiian filmmaker who documented the Hawaiian sovereignty movement during the first decade of the 21st century. As a journalist, she has covered Hawaiian and other indigenous peoples issues and the environment. Learn more about the filmmaker.
Sources
The ESIT State Leadership Team is thrilled to welcome our new Senior Administrator, Tutrecia Baker! We asked some fun "getting-to-know-you" questions as a chance to learn a little more about our newest team leader and member.
Q: Where is your favorite place to visit?
A: Hawaii. I love the relaxed pace of the locals and Native Hawaiians, so much natural beauty, culture and history. I miss the shrimp truck vendors on the North Shore of Oahu, the shops and fast pace of Waikiki, and the small-town peacefulness of The Big Island and Maui. As the old tv commercial about Hawaii use to say, “I’m in temporary exile on the mainland from my true homeland of Hawaii. One day I will triumphantly return.” LOL.
Q: Are you a sports fan?
A: Yes! The University of Memphis. My mother and I are both alumni. And of course, I’m going to ALWAYS root for any professional team from Washington state. We really need the Seattle SuperSonics back!
Q: What excites and energizes you about the job?
A: The mission of supporting families, staff, and community partners. I have met so many ESIT team members and partners that are passionate about the work and have lived experience. I am looking forward to meeting more ESIT system partners across the state and learning about their unique communities and families that they serve.
Welcome, Tutrecia, we 're so glad you're part of the ESIT team!
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We are excited to introduce Parent Institute for Engagement (PIE) Cohort 8, our newest group of family leaders from across Washington State. PIE is a statewide leadership program that equips families with knowledge, skills, and confidence to engage in system-level work and advocacy within Early Support for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT).
These parents and caregivers bring rich lived experience and diverse perspectives. They’ve navigated early intervention firsthand, and now they are stepping into leadership to help shape systems, so every family feels seen, heard, and supported. In this short video, you’ll hear directly from Cohort 8 as they introduce themselves, share what inspired them to apply, and reflect on what they hope to learn throughout their journey with PIE.
Watch the PIE Cohort 8 Introductions (16:52):
PIE Cohort 8 - Welcome
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Assistant Secretary of Partnership, Prevention, and Services, Vickie Ybarra, has made the decision not to renew the contract with the third-party vendor supporting development of ESIT’s new data management system, Access to Child Online Network (ACORN).
The contract expired on Sept. 30, 2025, and ESIT entered a no-cost extension through Oct. 31, 2025, which has now concluded.
This decision was informed by user feedback and a review of current business needs. ESIT will not be implementing any version of EI Hub. As we plan next steps, ESIT will continue using and supporting the current ESIT DMS in collaboration with DCYF’s Information Technology team.
If you have questions, contact Kim Hopkins, ESIT Data Systems and Analysis Manager, at kim.hopkins@dcyf.wa.gov.
DCYF ESIT is hosting two mental health focus groups to learn more about how Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) services are supported within the ESIT system.
You’re invited to share your IECMH experiences on how children and families within the ESIT system are supported through mental health services, such as, strengths within the system, barriers with offering services, and additional resources needed to better support children and families receiving IECMH ESIT services. This is not a webinar or training, but rather an opportunity for ESIT mental health providers and administrators supporting mental health services to participate in a focus group that will help guide recommendations for improvements within the ESIT system.
Register for the one group that best fits your role:
ESIT Agency Administrator Registration
Tuesday, Nov. 18 | 9-10 a.m.
IECMH Services in ESIT: Administrator Focus Group
ESIT Mental Health Provider Registration
Tuesday, Nov. 18| 11 a.m.-noon
IECMH Services in ESIT: MH Provider Focus Group
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DCYF and King County have partnered to host ongoing meetings to support ESIT Providers who work with immigrant and refugee families and their evolving needs. This statewide group is held on the fourth Monday of each month and provides best practice training, guidance, resources, and reflective practice.
In November, Providers will learn approaches to warm the “chilling effect” that may take place when families are stressed by changes in policy. We will discuss how to increase language access, inclusivity, and belonging in ESIT services for immigrant and refugee families. The group will also have the opportunity to engage in teaming to troubleshoot emerging support needs for families.
Register Now!
Monday, Nov. 24 | 9:30-11 a.m.
Supporting Providers Working with Immigrant and Refugee Families Monthly Group
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
We Want to Hear From You
Please complete this short survey to help us improve the space:
Supporting Immigrant and Refugee Families Feedback Survey
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SICC Member Application
The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is recruiting members for two open positions on the State Interagency Coordinating Council:
- (1) Public or private provider of Early Intervention Services,
- (1) Member of the State Legislature.
Apply on the Governor's website, and under 'Board Information,' select Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities and Their Families, State Interagency Coordinating Council:
Apply here for SICC board
SICC Sub-Committees Application
The SICC Data, Finance, Personnel & Training, Public Policy, and Service Delivery Committees are accepting applications from qualified and interested individuals:
Complete Sub-Committee Interest form
If you have any questions, please contact DCYF ESIT Community Collaboration Coordinator, E Renae` Antalan.
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The ESIT state leadership team plans to highlight individual providers or ESIT provider agencies that are demonstrating one or more of the Seven Key Principles in their work in a new section of the ESIT Weekly titled Guiding Principles in Action.
This section will help us recognize the high-quality agencies and efforts of individual providers across the ESIT statewide system. Nominators will remain anonymous (though we may contact you for more details about your nomination).
To make a nomination, please complete the form:
Nominate an ESIT Program or Colleague
Guiding Principles in Action
Read and download ESIT's Guiding Concept to learn ESIT's Seven Key Guiding Principle.
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A Message from Secretary Senn: Federal Government Shutdown Impacts on Families (Resources and Guidance)
With steep increases in health insurance premiums, federal worker layoffs, and the lack of federal funding for nutritional programs (SNAP and WIC) due the ongoing federal government shutdown, we are already seeing a significant increase in parental stress and economic hardship for families.
If you or someone you know is struggling to meet their basic needs, like food, transportation, child care, heating, and other essentials, visit DCYF’s Basic Needs Community Resource Directory.
To locate a local food bank near you, visit:
Read the full message in Español and Soomaali.
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2026 Unsung Hero Award Nominations Now Open!
The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is now accepting Unsung Hero Award nominations for 2026!
Do you know a parent, caregiver, guardian, or community member you’d like to recognize? Send us your nomination to strengtheningfamilies@dcyf.wa.gov.
Nominations must be received by Jan. 6, 2026. Nomination forms are available in English, Spanish, and Somali.
Twenty-eight new Unsung Hero Award recipients (one for each day of the month) will be honored at an in-person “Parent Recognition Month” dinner event in February.
Since 2011, nearly 400 parents and caregivers across Washington have received the Unsung Hero award.
Read the full message in Español and Soomaali.
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We hope that you will join the 2026 Infant and Early Childhood Conference (IECC), May 4–8, 2026 hosted completely virtual via Zoom.
Call for Presenters
IECC is currently seeking proposals for its 2026 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 - please submit proposals no later than Dec. 1, 2025. To apply online, visit the IECC Conference webpage.
- 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. In order to continue this complimentary option, IECC needs additional funding and support. If your organization would be willing to partner with us, please email the conference coordinator, Amanda Cardwell, directly at amandacardwell@frontier.com.
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Washington State Hands & Voices is pleased to invite you to participate in a short Plan-Study-Do-Act (PDSA) cycle aimed at enhancing how we share information about early intervention rights with families of Deaf or Hard of Hearing (DHH) children.
This cycle will run through Jan. 31, 2026, and is open to Family Resources Coordinators, DHH Specialists, Audiologists, and other professionals who support families of DHH children from birth to three years of age.
The focus of this PDSA cycle is a new resource:
The 12 Key Rights: A Parent’s Overview to DHH Early Intervention. This tool is designed to help families better understand their rights and support more informed, confident decision-making during early intervention.
What We’re Asking
- Participate in a brief PDSA cycle (with just 3–5 families of DHH children per provider),
- Introduce and discuss the 12 Key Rights document during a regular session,
- Ask families a few short feedback questions (a set will be provided),
- Reflect briefly on how the conversation went (with separate feedback forms for families and professionals).
A sample script and instructions will be included to help guide your conversations. Our goal is to learn how this tool can support meaningful family engagement and strengthen partnerships between families and professionals across disciplines.
To get started, each participant is asked to complete this Participant Registration form and a packet will be sent to you within 48 hours. Christine Griffin, Program Coordinator, will send each provider a packet to support implementation.
Contact
For questions or additional support, email Christine Griffin at gbys@wahandsandvoices.org, call or text at (425) 268-7087.
Thank you for considering this opportunity. Your participation and insights are vital as we continue working to improve tools and strategies that make a real difference for families.
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A research study at the University of Washington is currently recruiting for a play-based research study investigating mobility aid use for young children who can sit independently (including prop sit) but are not yet walking. The study is open to children with genetic or neuromuscular conditions that affect mobility and muscle tone, such as Down syndrome, hypotonia, developmental delay, spinal muscular atrophy, Rett syndrome, Angelman syndrome, or cerebral palsy. Our goal is to explore how mobility aids can support independent exploration and play.
The Study Includes
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3–5 short visits to UW (under 90 minutes each),
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$25 compensation per visit, with free parking or public transit,
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Play-based activities using two mobility aids: a partial bodyweight support system and a powered wheelchair.
View and download the Early Intervention Mobility Aids Flyer.
Watch a short video about the study and mobility aids here: Get involved in mobility aids research!
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The University of Washington School of Nursing is conducting a study to better understand how childhood hardships might shape the way parents think and feel about their preterm child’s chronic medical conditions (such as heart, lung, stomach/digestive, or brain/nervous system challenges.) View and download the flyer.
Who can participate
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Parents or guardians aged 18 or older,
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Raising a preterm child (ages 2–5),
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Child has one or more chronic medical conditions.
What’s involved
You’ll join one Zoom session (up to 90 minutes), complete 6 surveys, and have time for questions and a short break. Earn $100 for participating.
Learn More About the Research Study Here
Contact
For questions or inquiries, email Avery Park, PhD Student Investigator, at averyp88@uw.edu, or text (909) 815-4212.
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