Reflective Supervision & Consultation
Reflective supervision/consultation (RS/C) is a collaborative relationship for professional growth that improves program quality and strengthens practice. It builds the capacity of individuals, relationships, and organizations by cherishing strengths and partnering around vulnerabilities
~(Rebecca Shahmoon-Shanok,1991)
Benefits of experiencing RS/C in as an early childhood coach
Sessions occur at a consistent regular time, either as a 1:1 or a in a group, and is facilitated by someone who meets Colorado’s standards for qualification to provide RS/C.
Form relationships with the facilitator and other group members who support their professional development and growth.
Build reflective capacity through the discussion of strengths, vulnerabilities and the interconnected relationships and interactions surrounding the child.
Improve the effectiveness of staff in using a reflective approach to engaging coaches, educators and families. This increased sense of effectiveness can enhance staff members’ sense of competence and job satisfaction, thus serve to reduce burnout and decrease staff turnover.
Enhance understanding of boundaries and roles and clarifies goals and areas of possible intervention and next steps.
Prepare for your coach credential renewal by accumulating 24 hours of reflective supervision over the course of the 3 years the credential is active.
Getting connected with an RS/C Facilitator
The state Regional Coaches provide RC without cost to credentialed coaches statewide and can help connect you with other RS/C groups across the state. Click on the "About Us" tab to learn more about us and find our contact information.
Colorado's Early Childhood Council Leadership Alliance (ECCLA) currently has limited funding to accept coaches for group or individual RS/C.
Colorado Association for Infant Mental Health (CoAIMH) provides a Resource Directory as a service to its membership. This Directory of RS/C providers is not exhaustive, rather the following individuals have indicated their willingness to provide RS/C to CoAIMH Endorsement applicants.
Trained Facilitators of Reflective Supervision_Consultation - CDEC Record.xlsxAre you interested in becoming a Reflection Supervision/Consultation provider?
The course Facilitating Reflective Supervision/Consultation in Early Childhood (RS/C) Training offered by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) is intended to support ongoing capacity building for coaches, coach supervisors, administrators and other professionals in relationship-based roles with early childhood professionals. This free training is offered through the CDEC to support access to reflective supervision and consultation across the state. As a result, enrollment will be prioritized by a variety of community provider needs including current regional capacity, engagement in state coaching initiatives and experience receiving reflective supervision.
Click the button to the left and complete the waitlist to take the state-facilitated training (Smartsheet waitlist COMING SOON!)
Where else can someone be trained to provide RS/C?
The Center for Early Education and Development (CEED) with the University of Minnesota offers training with the RIOS 1: Using the RIOS Framework for Reflective Supervision. In this three-week online course, get an introduction to the principles and core competencies of RSC. Develop a foundation of knowledge about reflective supervision/ consultation based in infant mental health theory and practice.
Also offered is the RIOS 2: Advanced Reflective Supervision Using the RIOS Framework training. Using the Reflective Interaction Observation Scale (RIOS™) as a framework, you’ll learn about the process of beginning and maintaining a reflective alliance with individuals and groups to help professionals build skills and increase self-efficacy.
For coaches interested in Reflective Supervision within a Early Childhood Mental Health lens, also check out CoAIMH's periodic training offerings.
RS/C Websites & Online Resources
RS/C Publications
Gilkerson, L., & Shamoon-Shanok, R. 2000. Relationships for growth: Cultivating reflective practice in infant, toddler, and preschool programs. In J.D. Osofsky & H. Fitzgerald, eds. The WAIMH handbook of infant mental health (pp. 33-79). New York: Wiley.
Heffron, M.C. & Murch, T. 2010. Reflective supervision and leadership in infant and early childhood programs. Washington, DC: Zero to Three.
Parlakian, R. 2001. Look, listen, and lean: Reflective supervision and relationship-based work. Washington, DC: Zero to Three.
Shamoon-Shanok, R. 1991. The supervisory relationship: Integrator, resource, and guide. In E. Fenichel, ed. Learning through supervision and mentorship to support the development of infants, toddlers and their families: A sourcebook. Washington, DC: Zero to Three.
Heller, S.S. & Gilkerson, L. 2009. A practical guide to reflective Supervision. Washington, DC: Zero to Three.