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The purpose this paper is to help advance reflective supervision/consultation (RS/C) by stimulating important dialogue amongst infant and early childhood mental health (IECMH) professionals. The paper invites this discussion by:

  1.     examining definitions of reflective practice, specifically RS/C as used in the IECMH field;
  2.     recognizing the multilevel benefits of reflective-informed practice for infants, young children, families, caregivers, educators, supervisors, system administrators, policymakers, faculty, and researchers and all other professionals working with and for families; 
  3.     considering RS/C foundational areas in light of emerging and urgent issues, such as the need to prioritize the leadership and collaboration of diverse voices in actively exploring, examining, and, as necessary, adapting or reconstructing current reflective practice models; and
  4.      identifying specific opportunities to advance RS/C, with additional IECMH field discussion, exploration, and action. 

As you read this discussion paper, we encourage you to reflect on how the ideas and questions discussed might translate into your own professional practice–or perhaps how they already do. Participating in professional development and practice discussions are an important part of contributing to early childhood professions. We invite you to continue the dialogue with us.

Additional Resources

Discussion

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  • Noelle Hause
    On 02/01/2022 at 11:02 AM (EST), Noelle Hause wrote:

    Please be sure to check out the "Additional Resources" tab above. We have provided a list of resources that will help to address the many questions you have regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion, getting started with RS/C and mental health crisis preparedness. (Noelle Hause, Sr Manager, IECMH ZTT Professional Development and Workforce Innovations) 

    Reply
  • KO
    On 01/26/2022 at 10:45 AM (EST), Kevin O'Brien wrote:

    One of my main concerns about the use of the terms reflective supervision, reflective practice and reflective consultation is that it has led to more confusion than clarity.  I have been using reflective practice almost exclusively in discussions so as to emphasize two things: 1) RP represents a "way of being" we are seeking to promote among every adult and within every relationship that touches the lives of young children, and 2) that supervisors and consultants con facilitate reflective discussions in the contexts of their different roles, but that reflective practice is a shared responsibility among all participants.  

    Sometimes reflective practice is defined as a separate service from supervision or mental health consultation.  I would like the field to reinforce that facilitating reflective practice discussions (in groups or individually) is one aspect (or competency area) of a supervisor or MH consultant.  I'd like to not keep having the discussion "Are we doing reflective practice or is this mental health consultation?"  - a false dichotomy

    Reply
  • SL
    On 01/19/2022 at 4:10 PM (EST), Sarah LeMoine wrote:

    Thank you for participating in today's virtual event and for continuing the discussion here! Over the next couple days we will compile and post here the links and resources shared by peers + resources Noelle mentioned in today's event (some are in the paper itself) + some additional equity-focused resources/tools. We look forward to continued discussion and sharing with you, and potentials for us to advance together. With thanks again and excitement for continuing with you! (Sarah LeMoine, Sr. Director, Professional Innovations, ZTT)

    Reply
  • BL
    On 01/19/2022 at 3:20 PM (EST), Brigette Lobo wrote:

    How are dealing with your team’s concerns regarding the pandemic? How do you  support varying perspectives?

    Reply
  • BL
    On 01/19/2022 at 3:02 PM (EST), Brigette Lobo wrote:

    is this where post training Discussion should be ?

    Reply
  • JA
    On 01/19/2022 at 3:03 PM (EST), Jessica Almeida wrote:

    I believe so 

    Reply
  • JA
    On 01/19/2022 at 3:02 PM (EST), Jessica Almeida wrote:

    I was thinking the same thing Kristi I saved a few but I’m sure I missed some links 

    Can share what I saved if helpful 

    Reply
  • KA
    On 01/19/2022 at 3:08 PM (EST), Kristi Armstrong wrote:

    That's great, I did too. Maybe the organizers can pull it together. If not I say we post what we can! 

    Reply
  • MO
    On 01/27/2022 at 1:54 PM (EST), Maria Ogunye wrote:

    The presenter and team has collected the many shared resources and some additional ones to share with you all here in the discussion!

  • RL
    On 01/19/2022 at 3:01 PM (EST), Rosario Langlois wrote:

    For an organization that is currently not doing RC where should one start?

    Reply
  • KA
    On 01/19/2022 at 3:00 PM (EST), Kristi Armstrong wrote:

    So many resources shared in the chat. Is there a way to post them here

    Reply
  • MC
    On 01/19/2022 at 2:50 PM (EST), Matthew Cibellis wrote:

    Checking out this area, during the event. Is anyone else currently in here?

    Matthew

    Reply