EITP Event

This new Illinois professional development opportunity supported by the Early Intervention Training Program at UIUC that seeks to support early interventionists by providing a space for practice support through contemplation and critical thinking, providing support, fostering team cohesion, and helping mitigate stress and compassion fatigue in Illinois Early Interventionists.

Through seven engagement experiences with team facilitators, participants will focus on establishing relationships that support the growth and development of the interventionist and those they encounter in their EI practice. A guided process promotes discussing, questioning, planning, and decision-making using the expertise of team members and other professionals. The purpose is to collectively 'see' an event, experience, or person as clearly as possible without judgment, criticism, or praise.

Each of these activities supports the interventionists' ability to understand themselves better and the work being done. As interventionists engage in these practices, the capacity to honor and cherish their strengths while exposing and working on their vulnerabilities will continue cultivating a foundation for ongoing personal and professional growth and improving the quality of EI services.

● Interested participants will complete an application to be a part of an active collective that will meet 1-2 times per month. The first session will be an introductory session lasting one hour, with the additional sessions lasting two hours.
● Participants should be prepared to share self-reflection/personal/work experiences and engage in active listening with reflective responses.
● Participants will participate virtually by computer or tablet (not by phone) with access to audio, microphone for speaking, and video camera for live video image projection, and to be in a location where they can participate fully and confidentially for each session.
● Participants will receive a copy of a copy of the book Pause and Reflect: Your Guide to a Deeper Understanding of Early Intervention Practice by Dana C. Childress, Ph.D., with the expectation of reading and completing the activities associated with the book separately and before sessions.
● It is recommended that participants have prior knowledge of the Mission of EI, Division of Early Childhood (DEC) Recommended Practices, Illinois EI Principles, elements of the coaching approach, and adult learning principles.

Level of Learning: Intermediate-Application

EI Principles Addressed: 1. Supporting Caregiver Capacity, 2. Facilitating Active Participation, 3. Collaborative Relationships, 4. Intervention linked to Specific IFSP Outcomes, 5. Comprehensive Plans, 6. Periodic Monitoring, 7. Ongoing Communication, 8. Quality Services

Financial Support: EITP will financially support participants at the participant's Early Intervention state rate. Individual financial support is based on the number of sessions attended. Attendance and participation at a minimum of 6 of 7 sessions is required for any financial support.

EI Credit Awarded: EITP is an approved sponsor of continuing education credit of the IDPFR State Licensures for Dietician/Nutrition, LCPC, OT, PT, SLP, and Social Work.

Attendance and participation at a minimum of 6 of 7 sessions is required. Up to 13 hours of contact hours and EI credit will be awarded.

EI Collective - Attuned and Intentional