I-Consult I-Consult Background I-Consult Training

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1 I-Consult I-Consult Background The I-Consult project was created to develop a consistent model of child care consultation in Iowa. Consultation services are widely used to improve practice in early care and education settings. Consultation is a form of relationship-based professional development in which changes made by the teacher or provider occur as a result of the: o Relationship of mutual trust and respect fostered by the consultant. o Joint assessment and planning that identifies specific areas of change. o Appropriate learning opportunities (e.g., reading, workshops, observation) chosen by the provider following suggestions made by the consultant based on the level of competence and level of commitment shown by the provider. o Re-assessment of the program, followed by either re-planning or ending the consultation process. Although consultation can be very successful in facilitating change (Bryant et. al., 2007), this type of professional development services represents a significant investment in labor and travel. Family child care consultants, who are guests in the home of a provider, face numerous challenges in working with providers with limited or no background or training in early care and education, in an environment that needs to meet the needs of a family as well as a program for children. Consultants, who spend most of their time working one-to-one with teachers and providers, need effective mentoring, supervision, and support from their colleagues to identify and overcome barriers to change. I-Consult Training I-Consult training consists of three separate trainings: o Level 1 is completed by new Child Care Consultants as soon as possible following employment. o Level 2 is completed by Child Care Consultants with at least one year of experience who has completed Level 2. Completion of Level 2 is a pre-requisite for earning the I-Consult Credential. o Level 3 is completed by individuals who have earned the I-Consult Credential Credentialed and have been selected by their agency to serve as mentors to other Consultants. Consultants will be required to attend Level 1 I-Consult training as soon as possible following employment. All Child Care Consultants must earn the I-Consult Credential within 12 months of beginning the Level 2 training. 1

2 I-Consult Technical Assistance Strategies for low, medium, and high powered consultation. Low Control Medium Control 2

3 High Control I-Consult Competencies Using Content Expertise o A1- Demonstrates understanding of development, both typical and atypical, in physical well-being and motor skills, approaches to learning, social and emotional, communication, language, and literacy, mathematics, and science, and creative arts development in children from birth to eight. o A2- Demonstrates understanding of developmentally appropriate learning experiences that facilitate development in children from birth to eight years of age, including those with special needs, in inclusive group setting. o A3- Demonstrates knowledge and competencies in specific content area, quality standards, and evidencebased practices in disciplinary/professional field (i.e., nursing, early childhood education, early childhood special education, family child care.) o A4- Demonstrates knowledge and skills in using appropriate assessment tools accurately and consistently for monitoring both children s development and program quality. o A5- Demonstrates understanding that children are best understood in the contexts of family and culture, and that cultural and linguistic diversity influences development and learning. o A6-Dmonstrates competency in facilitating inclusive care and education services for children from birth to eight years of age. o A7- Demonstrates current knowledge of state regulations pertaining to the programs, including those from the Department of Human Services (e.g., child care licensing regulations) or the Department of Education. o A8- Demonstrates knowledge of federal, state, county, and city regulatory codes appropriate for the clients programs. o A9- Demonstrates knowledge of national, state, and local resources appropriate for the program. Building Professional Relationships o B1-Informs the client of the role, responsibilities, and scope of practice of consultation. o B2-Uses authentic, respectful and empathetic communication strategies to build a professional relationship with each client. o B3-Uses an individualized process for identifying strengths and challenges with each client. 3

4 o B4-Works as an equal partner with the client in designing goals and action plans for program improvement. o B5-Empowers clients by emphasizing client strengths rather than deficiencies o B6-Demonstrates flexibility and a positive attitude in delivering technical assistance to meet the changing needs of clients. Using Technical Assistance Expertise o C1-Works in partnerships with the client to assess program strengths and needs using an appropriate assessment tool accurately and consistently. o C2-Links descriptions of client behaviors and practices to specific, desired child and program outcomes. o C3- Partners with the client to develop, review, and revise action plans that include mutually agreed upon program improvement goals, resources needed, person(s) responsible and appropriate timelines. o C4- Demonstrates the appropriate use of a variety of technical assistance strategies that involve high control for the client and low control by the consultant, such as paraphrasing, clarifying or encouraging. o C5- Demonstrates the appropriate use of a variety of technical assistance strategies that involve moderate control for the client and moderate control by the consultant, such as presenting, problem solving, negotiating, or demonstrating. o C6- Demonstrates the appropriate use of a variety of technical assistance strategies that involve high control by the consultant, such as directing or rewarding. o C7- Works with the client (and supervisor, when appropriate) to summarize each on-site visit, including follow-up actions to be completed prior to the next visit. o C8- Chooses appropriate technical assistance strategies based on the client s level of understanding and motivation to implement best practices across program areas. o C9- Manages conflict and resistance to change with positive, results oriented strategies. o C10- Provides the client timely information on program improvement strategies and available resources (including funding) that are appropriate to help the provider meet the identified goals in the action plan. o C11- Links the clients professional development opportunities, classes, and workshops as appropriate to build on the client s prior learning and to meet the client s identified challenges. Being an Ethical Professional o D1- Engages in ongoing professional development to build knowledge and skills in consultation. o D2- Demonstrates ethical and professional behavior consistent with the ethical code of the profession. o D3- Respects and maintains professional boundaries. o D4- Provides prompt, objective, well documented assessments and reports using standard forms and procedures. o D5- Addresses client s needs without personal bias of values, beliefs, prejudices, or past experiences. o D6- Advocates, supports, and works towards implementation of accepted standards of quality. o D7- Maintains appropriate confidentiality in all areas, especially when discussing issues and solving problems. o D8- Provides timely services and follow-up that is responsive to client s needs. o D9- Collaborates with external partners and resource specialists as appropriate to meet the needs of clients. o D10- Collaborates with other staff and administrators in the client s program as appropriate to facilitate client and program improvement. o D11- Follows agreed-upon protocols in situations involving potential violations of regulations, code, or laws. 4

5 o Resources: 1. I-Consult Consultation Handbook created by Susan Hegland, Lesia Oestrreich, & Lisa Ryherd, November Hegland, Oesterreich, Ryherd,