August 12th, 2025 IICEI Workforce Workgroup - Agenda and Meeting Reports

IICEI Workforce Workgroup

  • August 12th, 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. Interim Progress Report
    1. Survey results
    2. Review of spreadsheet
    3. Report considerations
  4. Next Steps
  5. Public Comment

Attendees

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

III. Interim Progress Report

  • Survey results:
  • It was asked how many members took the survey and there were 12 members that completed the survey.
  • Discussion took place around the limited feedback. The group would like more workgroup members to participate. The link for the survey will be sent out again. Those who have not completed it are encouraged to do so.
  • Initial survey results are not surprising.
  • Credentialing remains a huge issue.
  • There need to be more intentional connections between training and practice.
  • Need to discuss how to get new providers to areas that have few providers. Although there are new providers, they may not be serving areas that have waitlists.
  • There are concerns with the current pay structure. Members stated that the current pay structure incentivizes live video visits (LVV) as it is paid at the same rate as someone who is traveling to see the family. The rate for clinic pay was also mentioned as the clinic provider is providing in person services.
  • In regard to LVV, it was stated that these types of visits do encourage the coaching model that Illinois follows.
  • In regard to the Diversity and Cultural Competence Action Plan, members discussed how implicit bias training is a requirement for some licensure - could there be a way to have those approved for Early Intervention credits? Some members also shared that they have submitted some of their conference/professional development hours for EI approval without it being approved.
  • The new interpreter resource through the EI Clearinghouse that is available via phone was discussed. There was fear expressed that this may be misused and take cases from enrolled interpreters/translators because its "easier".
  • When discussing options for higher education to get grants to assist with spreading the word about Early Intervention, it was discussed that with the uncertainty of the Federal Government at this time, programs may not be willing to take that on.
  • Some members suggested changing the system so that providers have to enroll in a company for so long prior to working independently. There was a large discussion around how the business side of this work isn't taught in school and to be a successful you need it as well.
  • Members agreed that without ongoing mentorship, the wheel just keeps on spinning. But there is also hesitation to be a mentor, because ultimately, they are mentoring their future competition.
  • There was discussion around recommendations that may not require funding, but some stated that in one way or another - everything requires money to be attached to it.
  • Review of spreadsheet
  • It was decided that this spreadsheet should be sent out again for responses from those that didn't complete it in the initial request.
  • Report considerations
  • Spoke on ways to organize report again.

IV. Next Steps

  • The link to the survey should be sent out again to workforce workgroup members with encouragement for those who have not yet completed it to do so.
  • It was suggested to get the recommendations to the Bureau sooner rather than later.
  • There were questions asked of the Bureau that members would like answers to for the next meeting -
  • What safety mechanism is in place for a provider who is unprepared?
  • What protocol was in place to protect providers from getting unused with the new hotline
  • Where do providers go to express concerns concern?

V. Public Comment

* No one requested to provide public comment

There will be no workforce workgroup meeting in September

Next meeting will be October 14th, 2025