IV. Priority Recommendations (continued)
EQ4. Provide ongoing anti-bias, cultural responsiveness, and equity workforce development
EI professionals report that understanding implicit bias and improving their knowledge of the wide range of cultural practices will support them to ensure effective, high-quality Part C EI service delivery. Support ongoing professional development and coaching for existing workforce regarding anti-bias, cultural responsiveness, and respect to advance equity.
Issue
Solution
Administrative Limited financial impact as this can be incorporated in EI Technical Assistance
Type
EQ5. Increase county-level data by race and ethnicity
There is a limited ability to monitor equitable implementation and performance of Part C EI as essential county-level data is not available by race/ethnicity. Collect and report more county-level data by race/ethnicity related to all aspects of Early Intervention (e.g., referral, enrollment, drop-out, completion, STAR level of child care program, etc.) of children/families and EI workforce.
Issue
Solution
Administrative Minimal additional funding needed
Type
4 Addressing mental health Federal and state Part C EI laws include a focus on development in social-emotional-mental-behavioral health (SEMBH). In this review process, parents and providers reported concerns in the Part C EI screening, evaluation, and IFSP processes with regard to SEMBH. Widespread among participants was a perceived lack of sufficient focus and effective action on SEMBH that will require state and local improvements. needs of infants and toddlers in Part C EI Discussions also highlighted how families of infants and toddlers with SEMBH needs often fall through the cracks between the Part C EI and the mental health systems. A lack of community-level coordination is one factor, with structures inside and outside government falling short. County agencies have the opportunity to strengthen collaboration, creating stronger referral pathways to available services in both Part C EI and the mental health system.
Participants also raised the insufficient supply of professionals trained in infant and early childhood mental health (IECMH) available to support Part C EI and other system needs. While Pennsylvania has a program to train and use IECMH-trained professionals, more can be done to support families and their providers in Part C EI. In particular, participants recommended increased IECMH training and credentialing opportunities and IECMH consultation supports targeted to the EI workforce. IECMH consultants, in particular, can partner with the EI providers in the evaluation process and in service delivery. By tailoring consultation support to the EI workforce, Pennsylvania can build on its efforts using IECMH consultants to support the work of early care and education, home visiting, health, and other sectors. An evaluation of Pennsylvania’s IECMH Consultation program found significant positive impacts on young children and teachers in early care and education. An expanded workforce of IECMH consultants could advise Part C EI providers on how to better address families’ needs in terms of SEMBH.
June 2022
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