Inside this Issue:
- AzEIP Administrator's Message
- AzEIP Employee Spotlight: Erica Melies
- Family Story: The Shook Family
- Provider Story: A to Z Therapies
- What is 2-1-1 Arizona?
- Arizona Early Childhood Workforce Registry Participation
- Sexual Abuse & Violence Against Persons with Disabilities
- "Team Awareness and Acceptance"
- Raising Special Kids - An Article from the RSK Monday Memo
- Wanted: CASA Volunteers
- Early Head Start Corner
- Resources
- Events
- New! AzEIP Transition Guide for Families
- AzEIP Materials Available Online
- Happy New Year!
AzEIP Administrator's Message
The Year In Review
Over the past year, so much has happened in the world. This holds true for our AzEIP community as well. It is critical that we take a look at the last year's accomplishments to celebrate and look forward to all of the improvements and initiatives we will embark on in the New Year!
In 2021, AzEIP...
- Updated our organizational infrastructure to include distinct cross functional teams that include the Data, Quality Improvement and Fiscal teams.
- Onboarded 8 team members either as new AzEIP staff or to a new role on the team
- Improved compliance on Federal Indicators for the most recent monitoring completed April - June 2021
- Completed several data system improvements including bulk upload of service delivery, enhanced reporting, and improved data collection fields
- Increased regular cadence of meetings with Service Providing Agencies to share information and collaborate
- Increased membership to both the Interagency Coordinating Council board and subcommittees
- Completed the first round of improved Fiscal Monitoring
- Supported contracted providers through Covid Incentive payments and a temporary rate increase
- Improved collaboration with partners through an executed Head Start Memorandum of Understanding
- Partnered with the Arizona Department of Education to hold the first ever Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education conference and began planning the second
- Held collaborative sessions with Early Intervention providers and school districts to improve transition practices
- Closed 2 of the 4 findings of noncompliance issued by the Office of Special Education Programs in 2020
With all of these accomplishments and more, the AzEIP team has so much gratitude for every single one of our stakeholders, community members, state agency partners, AzEIP service providers and of course, AzEIP family members. All of your contributions ranging from sharing concerns with our staff to attending stakeholder meetings and reviewing proposed documents has enabled the success we all share over the last year.
THANK YOU and Happy New Year!
Alicia Amundson, Part C Coordinator/Program Administrator
AZEIP EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT:
Erica Melies
Continuous Quality Improvement Coordinator
"Hello Everyone! I've been involved with AzEIP since 2002. I began as a parent of a child receiving early intervention services, then as a provider (DSI/SC), program manager, and as a referral/records specialist. I've gained experience/knowledge/perspective from each of these positions that I believe will help me in my new role. I have a BS in Elementary Education and a minor in child development and psychology. I've lived in many different places and am from Upstate New York. I love traveling, cooking, crafting, reading (historical fiction/suspense/general fiction) and spending time with my family. I look forward to meeting and working with everyone in my new role."
Family Story:
The Shook Family
When Laurie Shook and her husband, Collin, ventured into parenthood, they had no idea the journey on which they were about to embark! As newly adoptive parents to their infant son, Teddy, Laurie noticed he was having a hard time with taking a bottle and was behind on developmental milestones. Laurie shares, “I remember trying to feed him his first bottle and looking forward to that bonding experience. It was nothing like I thought. He would choke and the formula would come back up, he would turn purple and quit breathing. It was terrifying! That is when I knew we needed help. After a few, long, hospital stays, surgeries, and new diagnoses such as Dysphasia (cannot swallow), Failure to Thrive, Combined Immune Deficiency, and Spina Bifida (just to name a few), the hospital referred us to Raising Special Kids (RSK). RSK helped us to get in touch with state services such as Arizona Early Intervention. “
As the Shooks brought their beloved baby home from the hospital, reality hit. Their home looked like a hospital room with the oxygen machine, feeding pump, pulse oximeter and medical supplies. Laurie shares memories of those early days:
“I didn’t know what our future was going to hold. Then we got a call from our AZEIP service coordinator. She was so kind and asked when they could come out and do an assessment. It all happened so quickly from there and I am so thankful for that!”
Teddy was deemed eligible almost immediately. He started physical therapy and speech/feeding therapy. The therapists would come out weekly and work with the family on a variety of skills and worked on his goals. They knew exactly what to look for, taught the parents how to work with Teddy, and how to address issues he was having.
“Teddy’s speech and feeding therapist was a tremendous support to my family, going above and beyond trying to figure out new ideas to help Teddy learn to eat. I called our AZEIP team the ‘dream’ team and am still so grateful for the support we received while in the early intervention program.”
Because of Teddy’s multiple medical complexities diagnoses, the doctors told Laurie and Collin that most likely Teddy would not be able to walk and would be globally delayed. Teddy had his own ideas about that! After three years of AZEIP, he was hitting so many milestones and knocking them out of the park. The doctors were so impressed with the gains he was making and called it a miracle!
Laurie shares, “I feel the same, but I know for a fact we wouldn’t be where we are today without our AZEIP team of dedicated, caring, enthusiastic therapists who truly love what they do and never gave up, even on the hard days.”
Teddy still has many medical specialist appointments and therapies throughout the week, but he has made so many gains over the years. “We no longer have a feeding tube! YAY! I wondered if that day would ever come.”
Teddy is now 8-1/2 years old, plays sports and does Taekwondo! He has conquered so many obstacles and still has a road ahead of him, but Teddy is an inspiration to all who know him. It takes a village when you are raising a child with extra needs, and Laurie is immensely thankful for the circle of support she received while in early intervention and onward.
Provider Story:
A to Z Therapies
Christina Reay, MA ECSE DSI. Developmental Special Instructor, Arizona Cooperative Therapies, Region 3. A to Z Therapies
“As early intervention providers working directly with children and families, we often learn of additional challenges that these families are facing beyond the delays that their child is experiencing. We try to have resources right at hand for many of these challenges - whether it be food insecurity, diapers, or housing. We share these resources not only with the families we serve, but also with our team members and colleagues.
I am fortunate to work on a team that has been really generous in the sharing of information about community resources. We just put together a Google Doc with information on all types of resources to share with families. This came to be very helpful when I encountered a difficult situation with one of the families that I work with.
This particular single mom has had many challenges over the past year - finances, inability to find employment, loss of housing, and her son's special needs among others. She also faces some emotional challenges.
One day when we were scheduled for a visit, mom logged into Zoom and she was visibly upset. She related to me just parts of her latest struggle and that she wasn't sure how much more she could take. She expressed that if it weren't for her son, she was not sure what she would do. At first, I was just looking for resources to give her, but then realized that she was not really in the place to reach out to them. I was worried that she might harm herself but also, just that she felt so alone and so hopeless. So, I went on our team's Google document and found Resilient Arizona - a crisis intervention line which is connected to AZ211. I asked the mom if I could do a three way call with her to them. She agreed and I made the call. Within a half an hour, the counselor on the other end of the line had set up a mobile crisis unit to come and talk with the mom. I called mom a couple of days later and she was feeling better and getting the help and support that she needed.
It is so important that we as providers working with families know about resources such as those offered on AZ211. The support they offer is invaluable.”
What is 2-1-1 Arizona?
Have you heard of 211Arizona.org?
The 2-1-1 Arizona Information and Referral Services program was founded in 1964 as Community Information and Referral Services and incorporated as a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization in 1979. Solari acquired the program in 2017. Have you heard of 211Arizona.org?
2-1-1 Arizona Information and Referral Service operates 24 hours per day, seven days per week and every day of the year. Live-operator service is available at all times in English and Spanish and assistance is available in other languages via real-time interpreter services.
2-1-1 Arizona operators will help individuals and families find resources that are available to them locally, throughout the state, and provide connections to critical services that can improve and save lives. Including:
- Early Intervention Services
- Supplemental Food and Nutrition Programs
- Shelter and Housing Options
- Utilities Assistance
- Emergency Information and Disaster Relief
- Employment and Education Opportunities
- Services for Veterans
- Healthcare, vaccination and health epidemic information
- Addiction Prevention and Rehabilitation Programs
- Re-entry help for ex-offenders
- Support groups for individuals with mental illnesses or special needs
- A safe, confidential path out of physical and/or emotional domestic violence
If you are a provider in Arizona and want to be added to the services offered or needing to have your information updated, please visit 211arizona.org. Click on "Partners", then click on updating listing. This will give you the opportunity to enter your updated information or add.
If you are having problems and needing personal assistance updating information, please reach out to resourceconnection@solari-inc.org or contact Kim Schumacher 602-541-5272.
Arizona Early Childhood Workforce Registry Participation
All early education and child care staff who work for a DES child care provider are required to create an account in the Arizona Early Childhood Workforce Registry at azregistry.org. The Registry allows staff to sign up for training, track training completion, and participate in other incentive programs.
Child care directors can also check their teachers’ and staff completion of training.
Provider administrators or directors need to request and maintain administrative access to the Arizona Early Childhood Workforce Registry.
Find help here: https://azearlychildhood.org/about/using-the-registry/
The University of Arizona Sonoran Center for Excellence in Disabilities is asking for your help with a research project about sexual violence against persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) or autism.
The project is called Untold Stories and it has two parts. Part one involves interviews. Part two is a community survey (coming soon).
Sonoran Center Affiliated Faculty Dr. Lynne Tomasa and her team are starting to schedule interviews with the following people:
- Individuals with I/DD or autism who experienced unwanted sexual contact or behaviors and
- Family caregivers or persons who play an important role in the life of someone who experiences unwanted sexual behaviors
Participants must live in Arizona and be 18 years old and older to participate in the interviews. Those who meet the project requirements will be paid for their time with a gift card.
For more details, please read the following flyers (below) or contact Dr. Lynne Tomasa at ltomasa@arizona.edu.
Calling all volunteers...
TO JOIN "TEAM AWARENESS AND ACCEPTANCE" AT ZOO WALK
February 19, 2022
Join AzEIP and DDD, aka "Team Awareness and Acceptance," at the February Zoo Walk: https://go.dojiggy.io/c/zoowalkforautism Once you add to the cart you select "Team Awareness and Acceptance" to register.
CDC Says 1 In 44 Kids Have Autism
by: Michelle Diament
Even as autism rates continue to climb, CDC researchers noted that they are seeing some positive signs. A second report looking at children born in 2014 found that they were 50% more likely to be diagnosed with autism by age 4 than kids who were born in 2010.
“The substantial progress in early identification is good news because the earlier that children are identified with autism, the sooner they can be connected to services and support,” said Dr. Karen Remley. Read the full article.
Taken from the week of December 6, 2021 issue of the Raising Special Kids Monday Memo.
Direct Advocacy & Resource Center serves Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, Pima, and Santa Cruz counties. Direct provides free services to help people with disabilities live more independently. Anyone interested in services can reach us at 520-624-6452 or direct@directaz.org.
Direct's Programs & Services
- Advocacy — Training on speaking up to assert rights; Organizing efforts to eliminate discrimination, raise awareness, and effect positive change
- Counseling DIRECTions — Mental/behavioral health counseling through Direct’s subsidiary
- Home Access Program — Home modifications to increase access, safety, and independence at home
- Independent Living Skills Training — Educational opportunities to learn and practice the wide range of skills needed to live independently in the community
- Information & Referral — Comprehensive information and referrals to internal and community resources
- Linkages — Connecting employers to training and education on the benefits of hiring workers with disabilities
- Peer Mentoring & Support — Opportunities to work with each other to share life experiences, exchange information, explore options, and make informed decisions
- Transitioning — Assistance moving out of nursing/institutional facilities; Support to disabled youth in pursuing goals after high school
- Rehabilitation Instructional Services — Individualized, one-on-one training programs specifically for vocational rehabilitation participants (including AT, Braille, and O&M)
Contact Direct: 520.624.6452 ● 800.342.1853 toll-free ● 711 National Relay ● direct@directaz.org
Child Crisis Arizona has published its Spring program calendar; this includes the live Zoom programming, on-demand trainings, and in-person programming. These trainings are great tools for general parenting knowledge, staff training hours, adoption and foster care licensure hours, custody proceedings, DCS cases, and more.
Some highlights include:
- A large selection of in-person programming conveniently offered at various locations. Registration is required, space is limited.
- Our highly requested Co-Parenting: Children in Between class series
- Safe Sleep webinar in which FREE pack n’ plays are provided to individuals that qualify and complete the webinar
- Car Seat Safety webinar in which FREE car seats/booster seats are provided and installed by a licensed Car Seat Specialist to individuals that qualify and complete the webinar
On-demand programs to be completed at your own convenience
English: https://childcrisisaz.org/courses/ Spanish: https://childcrisisaz.org/cursos-espanol/
To register: https://register.communitypass.net/childcrisisarizona
RENEW, a research team at the University of Arizona College of Medicine in the Family and Community Medicine Department is looking for volunteers!
Our research efforts focus on the intersection between substance misuse and women’s health. We are currently recruiting for two of our studies, and I am emailing to ask for more information on how we might be able to feature our studies in your next newsletter!
One of the studies, The PEACH Project, is looking to recruitment pregnant woman ages 18-40 who have recently quit smoking and want to stay smoke free after delivery.
The second study, The ORCHID Study, is looking to recruit pregnant women ages 18-40 with Opiod Use Disorder (OUD), as well as pregnant women without OUD.
African American Conference on Disabilities
You Can! FEST
Native American Fatherhood & Families Association
Kyo
Register at kyocare.com/events
Early Childhood Special Education Summit
The Arizona Department of Education is excited to announce that registration has opened for the Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education Summit! This year’s theme is “We Are All in This Together: A Universal Design for All Learners”.
The Summit will take place on Thursday and Friday, February 24th and 25th, 2022 and will once again be a virtual event. The cost to attend is $50.00 per person for practitioners and $10.00 for students enrolled in Early Childhood Education programs. If families of children ase view additional Summit information and access the revents,
Saturday, December 1EnrichmentCenter|1445EastGuadalupn unwrapped toy for a child in need. The gifts are going to A Place to Call Home to children who would otherwise go without a gift this holiday season
Family Resource Fair
Walk for Inclusion 2022
Register here: http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=rjivtrabb&oeidk=a07eixptrmn325a73fc
Autism Intervention Intensive Workshop Online
Arizona Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention
aZeip cOMMUNITY eNGAGEMENT
Down Syndrome Network
AzEIP's Edd Schommer and DDD's Liz Perez represented DES at the Down Syndrome Network of Arizona Holiday Special Drive-Thru.
Sensitive Santa - Avondale
December 9, 2021
Pictured are Edd Schommer of AzEIP and Olivia Fryer of Autism Society of Greater Phoenix.
Toy for Tots
In 2010, Maggie Carbajal, was looking for a way to give back to the community for the Christmas holiday. She saw a friend’s Facebook post about Toys for Tots needing volunteers to deliver toys and that is how a partnership between Toys for Tots and Northland-Rural Therapy Associates (NRTA) began. Maggie is the Early Intervention Director for NRTA, as well as a Service Coordinator, and Developmental Special Instructionist. Maggie is also the parent of an AzEIP graduate- in Maggie’s words, “my biggest accomplishment in this program!”
“My family and I have volunteered for Toys for Tots for the last 11 Christmas seasons, collecting, sorting, bagging, and delivering toys. This year, Toys for Tots helped us provide gifts to 62 families. Although we are not able to have our “Santa Party” we still volunteered, in smaller groups, with our families and are still giving back. I encourage everyone to find a way to collaborate and help your local Toys for Tots agency. They are 100 percent volunteer run!”
This year, Toys for Tots helped us provide gifts to 62 families. Although we are not able to have our “Santa Party,” we still volunteered, in smaller groups, with our families and are still giving back.
"I encourage everyone to find a way to collaborate and help your local Toys for Tots agency. They are 100 percent volunteer run!”
Pictured at left: NRTA AzEIP SLPs, Meggan Brownfield, Aimee Walton, Aisling King and Lauren Gross and their children volunteering in the warehouse December 2021
AZEIP MATERIALS AVAILABLE ONLINE
New! AzEIP Transition Guide for Families
Currently being printed, the English version of "What You Need to Know Before Your Child's Third Birthday" (GCI-1120A-2021) is available online at the DES Document Center. (A Spanish version will be available soon.)
You can find a library of AzEIP materials on the DES Document Center. Be sure to select the "Flyers + Pamphlets" tab. Next, "Filter by Category" by clicking on the drop-down menu to select "AZ Intervention Program." Then, click on "Search" for a complete list of AzEIP materials.
Below is a list of a few of the AzEIP Spanish language materials that are available on the DES Document Center:
- Programa de Intervención Temprana de Arizona - GCI-1007A PAMS
- Programa de Intervención Programa de Intervención Programa de Intervención - GCI-1070A PAMS
- Programa de Intervención de los Resultados de los Niños y las Familias - GCI-1102A-FLYPDS
- Proveedores del Cuidado de Niños: ¿Sabe usted lo qué se debe esperar cuando también están inscritos en AzEIP los niños bajo su cuidado? - GCI-1106A PAMPDS
- Consejode Coordinación Interinstitucional para BebéGCI1081APAMNAAzeip co
Held on Saturday, Novemb
Meet team azeip
"We would like to Wish Everyone a very Happy New Year!
Front Row (left to right): Danyelle Harris, Annie Converse, Chantelle Curtis, Dharsini Ganesh, Tanya Goitia
2nd Row (left to right): Paige Thomas, Alicia Amundson, Debbie Daniels, David Dillon, Caroline Nailor Oglesby, Lisa Casteel
3rd Row (left to right): Edd Schommer, Jeremiah Hale
Not pictured: Anissa Moussa, Mary Sebastian, Erica Melies
