December Newsletter
Updates From Us
We're thrilled to share some exciting updates on all the great things happening at Oregon Infant Mental Health Association (ORIMHA) this month.
An event to remember.
After the conclusion of the Northwest Early Learning & Pyramid Summit, ORIMHA held a two day gathering. Participants heard from Erin Kinavey Wennerstrom and the ORIMHA Board of Directors (past & present) to celebrate ORIMHA’s rich history and its 10th anniversary as a nonprofit organization.
Participants also learned more about ORIMHA’s support of the Advisory Committee who provides guidance for DELC and ORIMHA regarding the Early Childhood Expulsion and Suspension Prevention Project (ECESPP). There was attention to ORIMHA’s work in supporting regions in developing response and referral networks and the implementation of IECMH Consultation. Regional Service Providers (RSPs) received support in defining what successful implementation of IECMH Consultation will look like, grounding in the Centering Racial Equity recommendations, and applying best practices from implementation science. All important systems work being done by ORIMHA, in partnership with the Department of Early Learning and Care, to create more equitable outcomes for young children, caregivers, and families across the state!
Happy Anniversary: ORIMHA celebrates 10 years as a non-profit organization!
ORIMHA is especially grateful for the dedicated individuals who have led and shaped our organization over the years. This recognition extends to our founders, who spearheaded the creation of ORIMHA, and to our past and current leaders and members who have tirelessly contributed to our mission. Their commitment and expertise have helped us to make a difference in the lives of countless children and families.
We recognize the key individuals who laid the foundation for ORIMHA. We honor those who have made a significant difference in ORIMHA's progress. We acknowledge the lasting impact of early supporters and leaders. Thank you.
Expanding the role as the Central Entity.
On Thursday November 14-15, just after the conclusion of the Northwest Early Learning & Pyramid Summit, ORIMHA convened a 2-day meeting that celebrated its history and expanded on its role as the Central Entity for the Early Childhood Suspension & Expulsion Prevention Program (new name coming SOON!). Time was spent grounding participants in the Centering Racial Equity report from Portland State
University intended to guide development and implementation of a model for providing statewide IECMH Consultation services. The recommendations from this report anchor the approach that the Department of Early Learning and Care and ORIMHA are taking in implementing IECMH Consultation in Oregon.
The alignment of each of the nine PSU recommendations with the Diversity Informed Tenets for Work with Infants, Children, and Families was reviewed at the Nov 15 meeting. See an example of this in Table 1. for the alignment of the first recommentation of the Centering Racial Equity report: Ensure that the model uses an equity-based, holistic approach rooted in principles of racial equity and prevention to support the capacity of ECE providers and programs to meet the social/emotional needs of young children. Consultants need to be trained and able to address racism and implicit bias in addition to providing support for social-emotional well-being at the individual child, family, classroom, and program level.
Low-Cost RSC Groups.
ORIMHA is offering low-cost Reflective Supervision Consultation (RSC) groups. Groups are intended for those providing services to birth to six-year-olds and their families, are actively endorsed, or seeking Endorsement for Culturally Sensitive, Relationship-focused Practice Promoting Infant Mental Health (I/ECMH-E®) and/or Early Childhood Mental Health (ECMH-E®) through ORIMHA. Groups will cost $25 per session with most groups meeting 2x per month ($50) for 1-1.5 hours per session.
Please click here to complete the survey if interested.
Contact andrea@or-imha.org with any questions.
Job Openings.
MountainStar is looking to hire a new part time (20-hour) position to work throughout the Warm Springs Reservation. Click here to find out more about the Outreach Coordinator position. Contact hr@mtstar.org with questions or interest.
MountainStar Family Relief Nursery is recruiting an Early Childcare Specialist to join their team in Bend, Oregon. Click here for more information about the Early Childcare Specialist position. Contact hr@mtstar.org with questions or interest.
Scholarship Opportunities.
Did you know you may be eligible for scholarships to help pay for professional development opportunities? Check out the Portland State University scholarship page for more information.
Congratulations are in order!
Congratulations to our new endorsees:
Breanne Libertad
Kimberly Myck
Be a voice for babies, families, and the community.
Make a donation today.
Are you in need of reflective supervision?
ORIMHA has a Reflective Supervision Registry where you can find a list of Infant Mental Health Mentors and Infant Mental Health Specialists. Click below to access the registry. AND ORIMHA is offering low-cost group sessions. If you are interested, please email andrea@or-imha.org for more information.
Do you have questions about Endorsement?
Did you know ORIMHA offers virtual support office hours in both English and Spanish? Click the link below for more information. Office hours are located in the announcements section. You do not need to log in to view.
