ESIT Weekly - August 22, 2025

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ESIT HEADER

Welcome to the ESIT Weekly

In This Issue:


Quote

Illustration of August blooms: yellow and pink dahlias, red lilies and magenta eastern gladiolus.

August Garden by Jahla Brown, DCYF ESIT Partnership & Collaboration Specialist

 "How people treat you does not always reflect how they treat others. People who are harmful to others may be kind to you. Be careful of denying someone's truth because your experience is different."
-Nedra Glover Tawwab, American mental health therapist, social worker and writer

July SICC Meeting Minutes and Materials Posted

SICC Direct List 

Sign Up for SICC DL to receive meeting materials in advance of upcoming SICC meetings.

Questions? 

Contact ESIT Community Collaboration Coordinator, E Renae` Antalan.

Upcoming SICC Meeting

  • Oct. 15 | Virtual

Accommodation Requests

 Please submit the request form by Monday, Sept. 29. DYCF may not be able to fulfill requests made less than two weeks in advance.

Request Access Support


Supporting Immigrant Families FAQ

The Supporting Immigrant Families FAQ document is available on ESIT's parent and provider pages.


National Infant and Toddler Coordinators Association (ITCA) Federal Updates

Available on ESIT's provider webpage.


Racial Equity Resources of the Week

A toddler with dark curly, shoulder-length hair, a turquoise t-shirt and blue jean shorts, happily runs away from the camera and down a sunny street.

Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself by Nedra Glover Tawwab

In a relatable and inclusive tone, Set Boundaries, Find Peace presents simple-yet-powerful ways to establish healthy boundaries in all aspects of life. Rooted in the latest research and best practices used in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), these techniques help us identify and express our needs clearly and without apology–and unravel a root problem behind codependency, power struggles, anxiety, depression, burnout, and more.

Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself


Tribal Topic of the Week

“Each of us is put here in this time and in this place to personally decide the future of humankind. Do you think you were put here for something less?”
-
Chief Arvol Looking Horse, Lakota Nation

Close up shot of three Native American men in a circle, wearing traditional regalia, playing a large a drum.

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:

Looking Horse Proclamation on the Protection of Ceremonies

[...] Spiritual Leaders and Bundle Keepers of the Lakota, Dakota, Nakota Nation, Cheyenne Nation and Arapahoe Nation were called together to discuss the protection from the abuse and exploitation of our ceremonies. The meeting was held at the Cultural Center in Eagle Butte, South Dakota, hosted by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. Read full article, the insights and decisions made by Chief Arvol Looking Horse, 19th Generation Keeper of the Sacred White Buffalo Calf Pipe:

Looking Horse Proclamation on the Protection of Ceremonies

"Every day we remind ourselves of that seventh generation, for they too should have a beautiful life like us. We talk about the cycle of life knowing that every one of have to find our peace to walk that journey … we call the Red Path. Not to have any ill feelings or bad feelings, but no matter what you have to walk. The elders remind us you have to walk in peace to find peace within yourself. Don’t wait until you are ready to go to see the Creator. Teach your little ones all the virtues that the Great Spirit gave us. It’s about love, compassion, respect, honor. For each person, [each] little one, deserves that."

Looking Horse describes a lifetime of lessons passed down from his grandparents and revealed in ceremony as a young Lakota man (watch time 31:50):

Sources


Join our Team! ESIT Senior Administrator Position Re-Posted

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We are excited to announce the re-posting for the Early Support for Infants & Toddlers (ESIT) Senior Administrator role at DCYF.

Apply for ESIT Senior Administrator (WMS03)

Closing date: Thursday, Sept. 4

This position has primary responsibility for implementation of a statewide system of early intervention services including, governance and finance, partners and tribal engagement, accountability & quality improvement, data systems, workforce development, and training & technical assistance. 

If you have any questions pertaining to this recruitment or if you would like to request an accommodation throughout the application/interview process, contact Veronica Jones, DCYF Talent Acquisition Specialist, at veronica.jones@dcyf.wa.gov. 


August ACORN Readiness Update Posted

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The ACORN Readiness Update document provides an overview of ACORN readiness benchmarks, work being completed and highlights the feedback we received as part of the User Experience Pilot. Take a look to see how close we are getting to the ACORN launch!

The August Editionof the ACORN Readiness Update document is now available on the ACORN Data Management System webpage, located under Training & Technical Support, ESIT DMS Known Issues.

Questions? Email dcyf.esithelp@dcyf.wa.gov.


Supporting Providers Working with Immigrant and Refugee Families - August 25 Session

two people holding hands

DCYF and King County are partnering to host an ongoing meeting space to support ESIT Providers who work with immigrant and refugee families. The space will provide best practice training, guidance, resources, and reflective practice to ESIT Providers, in response to the evolving needs of families. Providers will have the opportunity to process, connect, and reflect with one another.

This statewide group will be held on the fourth Monday of each month, 9:30 - 11 a.m. The August session will include training, discussion, and reflection about family safety planning. We will be exploring resources from DCYF and community organizations, as well as their use within ESIT.

Who should attend?

Any Provider who works with immigrant and refugee families! We recommend any ESIT staff, especially those who support the intake/referral, service coordination, and evaluation/assessment process, to attend. Registration is open now!

Monday, Aug. 25 | 9:30 - 11 a.m.
Supporting Providers Working with Immigrant and Refugee Families

Accommodation Requests

ASL, live captioning, and other accommodations to fully participate in this webinar are available to you upon request. Please submit the Training and Event Access Support request form at least two weeks prior to the event. DYCF may not be able to fulfill requests made less than two weeks in advance.

Questions?

Contact Technical Assistance Specialist, Molly Stryker, at molly.stryker@dcyf.wa.gov or King County Program Manager, Norma Renteria Lobo, at nrenteri@kingcounty.gov.


Recruitment Now Open for the State Interagency Coordinating Council Members & Sub-Committees!

Group Making Notes Whilst Attending Neighborhood Meeting In Community Center

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.


Recruitment Now Open for Parent Institute for Engagement (PIE) Cohort 8!

A little girl in glasses, curly pigtails and black and white sun dress, holds a red pencil, sits outside at a little desk, looking down at a notebook.

ESIT is excited to share that recruitment is officially open for PIE (Parent Institute for Engagement) Cohort 8!

PIE is a powerful opportunity for families who are passionate about advocacy, leadership, and equity in early intervention. Through this program, families connect, grow, and influence systems of support for infants and toddlers with developmental delays and disabilities across Washington state. Follow the link below to apply:

PIE Cohort 8 Application

Application Deadline: Sept. 25
Notification of Acceptance: Week of Sept. 29

Flyers are available for providers and partners to distribute to families. To request flyers, application links, or for any questions, please contact Vanessa Allen, Family Engagement Coordinator. For more information about PIE, visit the ESIT Parent Rights page.

Let’s continue building strong family leaders, one cohort at a time.


FY26 ESIT Fiscal Learning Opportunities

women at laptop writing notes in notepad

*CLAs and ESIT Provider Agencies, please widely share with your ESIT contractors*

ESIT's Resource and Sustainability Team is hosting several Fiscal Learning Opportunities! Priority registration will be given to budget/fiscal staff.

Revenue/Expenditure Year-End Report Sessions

Year-End Revenue/Expenditure Report Sessions will include guidance on completing your organization’s FY24 ESIT Revenue & Expenditure Year-End Report using the updated instructions and template within the Fiscal Workbook.

Dates and Times

  • Tuesday, Sept. 9 | 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.  | Registration
  • Wednesday, Sept. 10 | 9 – 10 a.m.  | Registration
  • Tuesday, Sept. 23 | 10 – 11 a.m.   | Registration *for County Lead Agencies and their affiliated ESIT Provider Agencies.

Fiscal Workshops

Fiscal Workshops will include guidance on the following topics:

  • Part C Purpose and Fiscal Requirements,
  • State Lead Agency (SLA) Responsibilities, and
  • ESIT Fund Sources and Contracts.

* Workshops are two hours. All workshops will cover the same material (no need to attend all four).

Dates and Times

Accommodation Requests

ASL, live captioning, and other accommodations to fully participate in this webinar are available to you upon request. Please submit the Training and Event Access Support request form at least two weeks prior to the event. DYCF may not be able to fulfill requests made less than two weeks in advance.

Questions?

Email ESIT's Resource Allocations Manager, Kali Wraspir, at kali.wraspir@dcyf.wa.gov.


DCYF News

Adult on floor playing and learning with kids.

Washington Continues to Offer Free to Low-Cost Early Care and Education to Families in Need

As you may be aware, the federal government has announced a policy change related to several federal funding streams, including Head Start, that could impact the ability for undocumented families to access educational programs for young children.

We are still assessing the impact of this federal policy shift. However, families — regardless of their immigration status--continue to have access to the following free to low-cost child care and early learning programs offered by the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF).

View this bulletin to learn more about Working Connections Childcare (WCCC) and ECEAP.

 

Young lady stands with older adult.

Washington State Makes it Easier for Relatives to Become Licensed Caregivers

The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) launched new licensing standards that make it easier for relatives to become licensed caregivers, which provides additional supports to care for children and youth in foster care. 

The new Kinship Licensing Standards — launched July 1 — include 50% less forms for applicants to fill out.

The new standards also established a kinship home study with less questions than the current community foster care licensing process.

Read more by visiting our What's New Blog.

 

Man and woman sits with young child.

Sign Up for the New JR Family Newsletter and Alerts

DCYF knows that when families stay connected and support young people in Juvenile Rehabilitation (JR), this produces better outcomes and more successful futures.

To that end, this month, DCYF is launching the JR Family Newsletter for families and friends of those in juvenile rehabilitation. The online newsletter will contain information about programs, safety, and news, and serve as a tool to help better connect you all with what is going on in JR.

To learn more and to subscribe, visit the What's New blog. 


Other Resources

Free 4-Part Virtual Series: Parenting While Rising to Child Developmental Challenges

two people holding hands

This free, 4-episode virtual conversation series, form Brazelton Touchpoints Center, offers a warm and inviting opportunity to connect with other parents and families of children with differences in or challenges to their development. Through conversations with parents of children with developmental differences, challenges, or disabilities, we explore the unique as well as common experiences of loving and raising children whose developmental process and journey is delayed or atypical. We discuss the challenges and joys of family life with children with a wide array of ways of being in the world. Over the four conversations, we cover topics near and dear to the hearts and experiences of families as we all learn from each other how to best support and advocate for our children, the whole family, and our communities. 

Sign up for one or all, everyone is welcome! The conversations are on the following four Mondays:

  • Sept. 29 | Noon – 1 p.m.
  • Oct. 20 | Noon – 1 p.m.
  • Nov. 17 | Noon – 1 p.m.
  • Dec. 15 | Noon – 1 p.m.

Learn more and register to Parenting While Rising to Child Developmental Challenges


Tribal Early Learning Initiative 2026-2028 Cohort

dad hands

The current cohort of Tribal Early Learning Initiative (TELI), which started in early 2022, will end in December 2025. In addition to providing universal technical assistance to 41 TELI Network Tribes, Administration for Children and Families (ACF) has been partnering with 8 TELI Collaborative Tribes to provide intensive support to assist them in planning and carrying out their priorities to improve efficiencies and be more responsive to the needs of young Native children and their families. The new TELI cohort will run from January 2026 to December 2028 and will emphasize food security and nutrition. To learn more about TELI, view the TELI informational flyer.

To apply to participate in the TELI Collaborative, please fill out the Statement of Interest and submit to TribalECD@acf.hhs.gov by Friday, Oct. 31.  


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