April 8th, 2025 IICEI Workforce Workgroup - Agenda and Meeting Reports

IICEI Workforce Workgroup

  • April 8th, 2025
  • 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
  • Join Via Zoom
  • Meeting ID: 874 9687 0486
  • Password: 153469
  • Dial by your location: +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

Agenda

  1. Welcome
  2. Ground Rules and Expectations
    1. Review of norms
    2. Approval of minutes
  3. Transition Advisory Committee Discussion
    1. Workgroup Feedback on Proposal
    2. Workgroup Participation as Project Proceeds
  4. Recruitment Strategy Discussion (time permitting)
    1. Grow Your Own
    2. Public Awareness
    3. Compensation, Loan Forgiveness, and Other Financial Incentives
  5. Next Steps
  6. Public Comment

Attendees

Participant Name Attended
Amanda Albright Yes
Talibah Moore Yes
Autumn Bruere No
Antonio Borjas Yes
Mindy Ely Yes
Susan Connor Yes
Tracy Cooper Yes
Jen Crick Yes
Rob Derry Yes
Chelsea Guillen Yes
Kesha Harris Yes
Katie Jacobs Yes
Zareen Kamal yes
Jenny Masterson Yes
Rachel Mika Yes
Carol Muhammad Yes
Stephanie O'Donnell Yes
Monica Patrick Yes
Makenzie Pettit Yes
Amy Santos No
Delreen Schmidt-Lenz Yes
Lisa Seymour No
Ellen Shwatal Yes
Ashley Stoffel Yes
Nicole Van Hise Yes

Minutes

I. Welcome

II. Ground Rules and Expectations

  • Review of norms
  • Approval of minutes: Motion to approve Amanda Albright, Rob Derry second. None opposed.

III. Transition Advisory Committee Discussion 

  • Workgroup Feedback on Proposal
  • Delreen expressed appreciation for Chelsea putting together the feedback for the Transition Advisory Committee (TAC).
  • Workgroup members asked if we had any information about next steps since feedback was given or when the next draft may be put out, but that information is not yet available.
  • We provided feedback before the end of the month since Ann had mentioned that as being the timeline for the next version when speaking with us.
  • Members would like to invite Ann back for a fuller discussion rather than just a presentation to the group. Prior to that meeting, it would be useful to set a specific agenda so that specifics points can be raised.
  • It is unclear to the workgroup where the information that was provided via padlet goes and what is done with it.
  • The workgroup expressed concern over the small representation of early intervention on the TAC. Are there ways for EI to have more of a voice in planning? Suggestions included: having a meeting between the TAC and workforce workgroup or engage with the workgroups addressing children with special needs. Also, it feels important that workgroup members and the public attend transition advisory committee-related meetings. Would be helpful to have these dates in one place.
  • The workgroup also wondered about the benefit of presenting to the Council on our current work as they may be able to provide additional influence.
  • Workgroup Participation as Project Proceeds
  • The workgroup briefly discussed the likelihood of our work having impact given the activities being conducted to facilitate the agency transition. A reminder that we are a workgroup of the IICEI and their advisory capacity is legislatively mandated was provided. May want to consider what changes can be made sooner rather than later, what wins can occur even before the transition to the new state agency?
  • A suggestion was made that the group compile a list of key items that should be considered when evaluating potential changes. This list could then be used over and over for consistent messaging.

IV. Next Steps

  • Next steps include working on the wish list from the workgroup
  • Discuss proposed changes to service coordinator credentialing with Afton

V. Public Comment

From Nisha Sanghvi:

  • TAC Engagement Opportunities:
    1. So far these do not feel bidirectional; feedback forms exist but numerous individuals have completed form and have not received feedback
    2. IDEC has shared they will provide updates to IICEI - would it be beneficial to invite a provider rep to be engaged in the workforce workgroup to be an additional liaison, and specifically, a provider voice? (Kesha - family; Zareen - advocacy; Carol-CFC; Amy- personnel preparation)
    3. Is there still an opportunity for additional members to be added to TAC workgroups?
  • Collaborative Approach
    1. Would it be beneficial to share EI related information or resources that specifically address workgroup goals as identified on the IDEC page (i.e. special needs, multilingual learners, DAI and funding)?
    2. Would it be appropriate to request a meeting with ChibyDesign if they are leading the work for codesign?
    3. In the slides I reviewed, it was clearly identified family voice is number one, which makes perfect sense, but providers were identified as the second largest group. Could we reference their material to focus on the need to diversify and include multiple provider voices to bring in different perspective and identify best possible solutions?