June 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.
Save the Date.
The Northwest Early Learning & Pyramid Summit dates have been set! Please click here to view the flyer. Registration opens May 30!
In-Person Community of Practice.
Last month ORIMHA hosted the Regional Service Providers at Brasada Ranch for an in-person Community of Practice. It was a wonderful time to be with peers, the ORIMHA team, and engage in equity training from Threads of Justice! Thank you to everyone who made this in-person event possible.
Recognizing Pam Skiver.
As ORIMHA celebrates 10 years as a non-profit organization, we reflect on how grateful we are 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.
We would like to use this space to recognize a founding or impactful board member each month. This month we would like to honor Pam Skiver.
As a child and family therapist, Prenatal Bonding BA Certified Facilitator, and Hypnobirthing Certified Facilitator Pam’s focus continues to be in early intervention. The key to a peaceful world begins in the womb. www.birthpsychology.com
Thank you, Pam, for all of your efforts.
Pam Skiver at ORIMHA’s gathering last November.
Every Child Belongs.
What is the difference between infant & early childhood mental health (IECMH) and infant & early childhood mental health consultation?
It can be confusing! It may help to understand that programs like Every Child Belongs will provide consultation to teachers and childcare providers in ways that ultimately support the IECMH of the littles in their settings. It is consultation that relies on the broader principles and practices of IECMH including (but not limited to):
Using a relationship-based approach
Applying an understanding of early development & attachment
Relying on reflective practice
Being culturally humble
Applying the Diversity Informed Tenets for Work with Infants, Children, and Families which includes working to acknowledge privilege and combat discrimination
And knowing that the best way to support an infant or young child is to support their caregivers. *In other applications of IECMH, supporting a child’s caregiving relationships usually mean parents (birth, adoptive, foster, guardian). In the case of ECB, it means the support is directed at the teacher or childcare provider.
IECMH principles and practices, broadly speaking, are applied to many disciplines and all sectors that work with or on behalf of infants, young children, caregivers, and families. An example in the promotion scope of work might be primary health care providers like pediatricians. Examples from the prevention scope would be early intervention and home visiting, as well as IECMH consultation. The treatment / intervention scope includes infant-parent psychotherapists and child parent psychotherapists. Other scopes include those teaching about or conducting IECMH research, advocating for policies and creating systems that better serve babies, caregivers, and families. All to say, IECMH consultation is just one way that professionals can support the caregiving environments for infants and young children!
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:
Heather Amaral
Lori Colvin
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 and to complete the Zoom registration form.
