Gerrie's Gazette August 2024

Welcome!

Inside this issue:

  • Coming Soon - Notify.gov
  • Improving Child Outcomes Step-by-Step
  • Out & About!
  • Parenting Resources
  • Training Opportunities

Coming Soon!

Arizona Early Intervention Program (AzEIP) is working with the U.S General Services Administration to pilot a web-based text messaging system to communicate with families regarding critical information. A primary project goal is to improve access and delivery of programs and services. All text messages will state it is from the Arizona Early Intervention Program (AzEIP). Families will have the option to “opt out”.

For more information, read this blog from General Services Administration.

Improving child outcomes step-by-step

While developing your Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) your Early Intervention team asked questions about your child's skills in three areas:

  • Positive social-emotional skills
  • Acquisition and use of knowledge and skills
  • Use of appropriate behaviors to meet needs

Desired Results Action Project has a video that offers a consistent way to describe the outcome areas across programs and states. It is an overview of the three outcomes for professional development and training, orienting families, and introducing the outcomes to other constituents such as policymakers or funders. View the video by clicking the button below.

ADHS Survey

Arizona Department of Health Services is conducting a survey. Every five years, a needs assessment survey is distributed from ADHS to determine priorities in promoting and improving the health and well-being of mothers, children and youth with special needs.

The 2025-2030 Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Needs Assessment Survey is available in English and Spanish. ADHS will be collecting data until December 31, 2024.

Out & About!

AzEIP attended the 2024 Office of Special Education Conference in Arlington, VA, August 6-8! Along with the Arizona Department of Education and Raising Special Kids, AzEIP shared information about how agencies work together to strengthen support for Arizona's families of children with disabilities.

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Parenting Resources

The pArentZ pod – The Arizona baby and toddler podcast by First Things First – features interesting conversations with early childhood experts and information you can use to be the best parent you can be. Hosted by K Vilay, each episode also lets you know where you can find early childhood programs and services in your Arizona community. You can now listen, download and subscribe to FTF’s pArentZ pod on Apple Podcasts or Google Play.

CDC Milestone Tracker App

Milestones matter!! Track your child’s developmental milestones from age 2 months to 5 years. This free app can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play for IOS and Android in English and Spanish.

Features in the app includes:

  • Milestones Tracker - Track your child's development progress by looking for important milestones using an interactive checklist
  • Tips and activities - Support your child's development at every age
  • Milestone Summary - Get a summary of your child’s milestones to view, and share with or email to your child’s doctor and other important care providers
  • Appointments – keep track of your child’s doctors’ appointments and get reminders about recommended developmental screenings
  • And more!

CDC does not collect or share any personal information that can be used to identity your or your child

Early Childhood Education - Birth to Kindergarten

Early Childhood Education - Birth to Kindergarten

September 11, 2024. 6 - 8 PM - Online

Learn about the state systems of care for children with disabilities or delays, the basics of the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) and how to make a smooth transition from early intervention services to preschool at age three. This training explains the evaluation and eligibility process for an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and the services provided by local public education agencies.

Positive Behavior Support

September 12, 2024. 10 am - 12 pm - Online

In this introductory class, you'll learn about the practice of Positive Behavior Support and discover how it can help you reduce unwanted behavior and increase preferred behavior in your child.

PBS is more than just a strategy - it's a philosophy that empowers you to understand the role you play in your child's behavior. Whether it's at home or in school, PBS equips you with tools to create an environment that fosters positive behaviors while addressing challenges that may arise.

During these two hours, you'll gain insight into how to collaborate effectively with your child's school when behaviors interfere with learning. We'll also explore practical approaches and friendly techniques to navigate through some common behavior-related hurdles.

Positive Behavior Support Training Now Available in Spanish from Raising Special Kids!

We’ve heard your feedback and we’re excited to announce a new opportunity!

Raising Special Kids and the Division of Developmental Disabilities have teamed up to offer an extended Positive Behavior Support training (PBS), NOW AVAILABLE IN SPANISH!

This PBS training is a total of eight hours; four hours each on two consecutive days.

Classes are scheduled for:

Positive Behavior Support (PBS) is a research-based approach that emphasizes empathy, sensitivity, person-centered care, and inclusivity.

Why should you enroll in PBS training?

Empowering Families and Caregivers: Learn practical tools and resources to support those with challenging behaviors and enhance the quality of life for your loved ones.

Managing Challenging Behaviors: Discover strategies to reduce difficult behaviors effectively.

Building Stronger Connections: Strengthen your relationships and boost your confidence in supporting individuals during tough times.

This training is offered at no cost to caregivers and families of members enrolled in the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD).

Professional Development

Learning Festival for Home Visitors Friday, September 6, 2024 (Virtual)

10:00am – 11:30am (Phoenix Time)

  • Certificate of Attendance available – 1.5 Professional Development Hours
  • Free to attend via Zoom
  • American Sign Language Interpretation will be available

Mr. Clay Jones will present on the topic of Pause Before Hitting Send: Honing Your Reflective Listening and Communication Skills.

Clay Jones has over 25 years of experience in child abuse prevention and Infant Mental Health, in a variety of programs and roles throughout Maricopa County/Phoenix, Arizona. He is a desired presenter with local and national conferences focused on young children and families, including the Arizona Strong Families conference; Prevent Child Abuse Arizona annual conference; the Pennsylvania Infant Mental Health Association annual conference; Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC, North Carolina) Perinatal Substance Exposure Summit, and others.

Clay received his BA/Psychology from Arizona State University and his Master of Education from Northern Arizona University. A Harris Institute graduate in Infant-Family Studies, Clay’s endorsement as an Infant Mental Health Specialist and his Spanish fluency enables him to support families of diverse backgrounds who have experienced marginalization and trauma.

As families of color are disproportionately represented in child welfare, Clay strives to understand historical trauma, discrimination, stigma and appreciating diversity in families. Clay approaches this difficult work from a trauma and Infant Mental Health informed stance, with an eye for the wellbeing of the whole family, while recognizing the challenges of vicarious trauma to workers that often occurs in the profession.

As the coordinator for Maricopa SHIFT: Safe, Healthy Infants and Families Thrive, this newly developed collaborative is working to change systems of all providers that touch the lives of expectant parents with a concurrent substance use disorder, in the 3rd largest public health jurisdiction in the United States. Maricopa SHIFT is changing the way professionals from all systems support these parents and is improving outcomes for affected newborns and their parents on multiple measures.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting and your unique Zoom link.

Learning Festival sessions are typically the first Friday or second Friday of the month at 10:00am (subject to state or federal holidays).

You can review past Learning Festival sessions on the SFAZ Home Visitor Portal.

Free Sensory Screenings

Important Disclaimer: The foregoing is publicly available information about upcoming events, resources, and reminders from third-party organizations. In some cases, AzEIP has included links to other websites that are not owned or controlled in any way by AzEIP, but that contain additional information about the events, resources or reminders. By clicking on any of the links above, you agree to be directed to the external website and you acknowledge and agree that AzEIP shall not be held responsible or accountable for any information contained on such site. Please note that AzEIP does not monitor any of the websites linked herein and does not endorse or approve any information posted on any such sites.

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Please email your request to: azeip@azdes.gov