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Please note that there will be no issue of the ESIT Weekly sent out next week, Friday, Nov. 28, in observance of Thanksgiving Day/Nat’l Day of Mourning (Nov. 27) and Native American Heritage Day (Nov. 28.) The ESIT Weekly will resume its regular schedule on Friday, Dec. 5.
Thank you!
Everything in nature has consciousness, everything is in balance. The Western view ignores this. " -Tiokasin Ghosthorse (FVIR, First Voices Indigenous Radio)
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:
Treaties: Promises Between Governments
Treaties between Indian tribes and the United States confirm each nation’s rights and privileges. In most of these treaties, the tribes ceded title to vast amounts of land to the United States in exchange for protection, services, and in some cases cash payments, but reserved certain lands (reservations) and rights for themselves and their future generations.
Indian treaties have the same force now as on the day they were signed. Like the Constitution and Bill of Rights, treaties do not expire with time. Learn more:
Treaties: Promises Between Governments
This is a 15 minute short film about why I've stopped celebrating Thanksgiving as it is nationally recognized. Told through the historical account of Annawon Weeden, a young Mashpee Wampanoag, and the venerable words of Leonard Peltier (watch time 15:32):
National Day of Mourning
Truthsgiving: The True History of Thanksgiving
And how you can support Native communities this holiday and beyond.
This year, we’re celebrating Thanksgiving and also Truthsgiving, a concept coined by Indigenous activist Christine Nobiss to dismantle common misunderstandings about Thanksgiving with...well, the truth. So in the name of Truthsgiving, here’s the true history of this holiday (and what you can do about it). Read full article by Jackie Menjivar:
Truthsgiving: The True History of Thanksgiving
Media Recommendation
A History of Native American Land Rights in Upstate New York by Cindy Amrhein: A complex and troubled history defines the borders of upstate New York beyond the physical boundaries of its rivers and lakes. The United States and the state were often deceptive in their territory negotiations with the Iroquois Six Nations. Amidst the growing quest for more land among settlers and then fledgling Americans, the Indian nations attempted to maintain their autonomy. Yet state land continued to encroach the Six Nations. Local historian Cindy Amrhein takes a close and critical view of these transactions.
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: How do you like to be shown gratitude?
A: I appreciate gratitude that is expressed in real time, moments when someone pauses to acknowledge a contribution, a small win or shared effort. Being present and intentional means a lot to me, and even a simple thank-you in the moment carries great meaning.
Q: How do you show gratitude?
A: I try to show gratitude by being present, paying attention and acknowledging people's work as it happens. Whether it's a quick thank-you, recognizing someone's strength or celebrating the team's accomplishment, I believe showing appreciation in real time. It helps people feel seen and valued.
Q: What are a couple favorite books?
A: Jubilee by Margaret Walker (1966), Needful Things by Stephen King (1991).
Currently reading: The Next Conversation: Argue Less, Talk More by Jefferson Fisher (2025).
Q: What are some of your favorite movies?
A: The Heiress (1949), The Color Purple (1985), Avengers: End Game (2019).
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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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.
There will be no December session due to holiday scheduling conflicts.
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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Ballmer Group Announces Grant to Fund Up to 10,000 More ECEAP Slots
The Ballmer Group Philanthropy recently announced a new grant that would fund up to 10,000 additional seats for Washington’s Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) for the next 10 years.
Read the full message in Español and Soomaali.
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2026 Unsung Hero Award Nominations Now Open!
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 in your nomination to strengtheningfamilies@dcyf.wa.gov. Nominations must be received by Jan. 6, 2026.
Read the full message in Español and Soomaali.
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The Department of Community and Human Services is excited to be filling a position on the King County Early Support for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT) Team!
The Early Support for Infants & Toddlers (ESIT) Lead (PPM III) is responsible for planning, implementing, and continuous improvement of King County’s ESIT program, annually serving over 7000 birth-to -three-year-old children with delays or disabilities and their families, in compliance with Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The ESIT Lead position works with a partnered co-lead approach with primary focus on ESIT Provider Supports and state, county, and community partnerships.
Learn more about the position and apply:
Early Support for Infants & Toddlers (ESIT) Lead, PPM III
Location: 625 Andover Park W, Tukwila, WA 98188
Please share this with your networks!
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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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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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