Reflective Supervision Learning Collaborative (Syllabus)©
(revised 2023)
“RS is a set of caring conversations co-constructed over time by supervisee and supervisor; improvised or created in the moment, yet deepening their connection as together they develop their history and knowledge of one another and of the children and families in their conjoined care.”
Rebecca Shahmoon-Shanok
Training Description
SPCC’s Reflective Supervision Learning Collaborative (RSLC) is a comprehensive, experientially based, small group training for supervisors and administrative leaders in the field of infants, young children and families, and specifically infant and early childhood mental health (IECMH). Through a balance of Reflective Learning Sessions, and Reflective Consultation Groups, sharing of collective group knowledge, and ongoing support, participants will experience how to implement and provide reflective supervision within their programs while simultaneously, receiving reflective consultation themselves by qualified, experienced reflective supervisors/consultants. The RSLC is also designed to provide infant/early childhood program supervisors and leaders with much of the training and experience needed to pursue the New York State Association for Infant Mental Health (NYS-AIMH) Endorsement focused specifically on reflective supervision/consultation (RSC).
Course Objectives
• Gain a clear and deep understanding of fundamental theories of RSC, and specifically how it relates to IECMH work.
• Increase self-reflective capacity as a supervisor/leader.
• Understand and articulate the value of RSC for programs and staff working with infants, young children and their families.
• Develop one’s Reflective Supervisor identity and personal practice of Reflective Supervision.
• Learn the operationalized components of RSC.
• Increase skills in navigating complex supervisory relationships.
• Meet 18 hours of training on competencies aligned with the New York State Association for Infant Mental Health Endorsement.*
• Receive 18 hours of NYS Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for the fields of social work, mental health counseling, and creative arts therapy.*
• Receive 20 hours of reflective consultation (RC) toward the New York State Association for Infant Mental Health’s Endorsement.*
*Please note that RC group experiences, outside readings and reflective practice exercises outside of the Learning Intensive Sessions are not included in the number CEU Credits, as they are not allowable.
Rationale
In addition to RSC being the gold standard of support for front line staff across infant and young child serving disciplines, RSC is increasingly being highlighted as a necessary requirement of fidelity and best practice in many Evidenced Based Practices. RSC is becoming an increasing expectation in EBP’s and is also a cornerstone of IECMH practice. As New York State, and the Rochester area specifically, is experiencing an increased valuing of, and demand for Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health specialists across sectors, the shortage of trained RSC providers is increasingly evident. Additionally, in 2016 The New York State Association for Infant Mental Health adopted The Alliance for the Advancement of Infant Mental Health’s Endorsement for Culturally Sensitive, Relationship-Focused Practice Promoting Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health®. The Endorsement® system is the premiere, global effort that identifies best practice competencies across disciplines and settings. Receiving RSC through a vetted and/or Endorsed professional is a requirement of this set of standards and competencies. For professionals aiming to become Endorsed as an Infant/Early Childhood Mental Specialist or an Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health Mentor-Clinical, and provide NYS-AIMH approved RS/C for supervisees seeking Endorsement, this course aims to meet many of the training and experiential standards and competencies specific to supervision for the New York State Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health Endorsement and will allow professionals to purse this post-degree specialization and credential; a specialization and credential increasing in demand in the Rochester area and in NYS.
Please visit nysaimh.org for further details about the trajectory of IECMH across the state and the Endorsement process.
Participants
This course is designed for multi-disciplinary professionals in supervisory or leadership roles in infant and young child-serving agencies/fields in the Greater Rochester Area. While participants are not required to have prior training or practice experience in RSC, they must value or interest in reflective capacity, relationship-based work, the professional use of self, cultural awareness, the balance between thoughts and emotions, and the parallel process. It is expected that some participants will have the goal of NYS-AIMH Endorsement as an Infant Mental Health Specialist or an Infant Mental Health Mentor-Clinical, this is not a required outcome for the RSLC. While this is not an exhaustive list, supervisors and leaders from the disciplines/fields/sectors of nursing, child-life specialists, social work, occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical medicine, nutrition, home visitation, psychotherapy, child welfare, legal field, and early childhood education will be a good fit for this Learning Collaborative.
Prerequisites, Expectations, and Commitments
• SPCC’s IECMH Training (11 or 7 session IMH: Theory to Practice) or equivalent is a prerequisite for the RSLC.
• The RSLC includes a small amount of reading and reflective practice exercises outside of meeting times. It is anticipated that this equates to approximately 15-45 minutes monthly. These readings and activities are accessed through a cloud-based platform (Sharepoint). Participants should have comfort using a cloud-based platform for file storage and basic document editing. RSLC trainers will orient and provide support on the use of this platform at the beginning of the RSLC.
• Each participant is required to practice RSC with a minimum of two identified supervisees/consultees throughout the year. SPCC may be able to assist participants who are in need of supervisees/consultees to practice with.
Learning Collaborative Details
Blend of in-person and virtual sessions:
-In-person half day kick-off session
-One, 2-hour Reflective Learning session per month
-One, 90-hour Group Reflective Consultation session per month
Schedule Outline for the Year
(Exact dates and virtual vs. in-person details to be developed per cohort):
Cost
SPCC has a deep commitment to building the RSC capacity in the Rochester community. This year-long learning collaborative cost is valued at $2000 per participant. Some spots are available at no cost to local participants through generous grant funding. Please e-mail us at Maryellen@spcc-roc.org to discuss scholarships, group rates, or other fee structures.
Books & Materials
Articles and other reading materials used for the RSLC will be provided through a Sharepoint cloud-based folder. The following books are recommended for participants, but not required:
Hardy, K. V., Bobes, T. (2017). Promoting Cultural Sensitivity in Supervision: A Manual Practitioners. Routledge.
Heffron, M.C. & Murch, T. (2010). Reflective Supervision and Leadership in Infant and Early Childhood Programs. Washington, DC: ZERO TO THREE Press.
Scott Heller, S., Gilkerson, L. (2009) A Practical Guide to Reflective Supervision. Washington,DC: ZERO TO THREE Press.
Watson, C.L., Harris, M., Hennes, J., Harrison, M., & Meuwissen, A. (2023). RIOS Guide for Reflective Supervision and Consultation in the Infant and Early Childhood Field.
Washington DC: ZERO TO THREE Press.
Instructors
