Common Terms and Acronyms

IMH = Infant Mental Health | RSC = Reflective Supervision/Consultation | RSLC = Reflective Supervision Learning Collaborative

Learning Collaborative = RSLC (Reflective Supervision Learning Collaborative)

Endorsement® = A credential for professionals who work with or on behalf of children ages 0-5 and their family or caregivers.

RSLC Education and Experience Requirements:

1. Is there an education requirement to participate in the RSLC?

Any academic degree including Associates, Bachelors, Masters, and/or Doctorate degrees is sufficient. We align the RSLC requirements with Endorsement® so that RSLC participants are in a good position to earn Endorsement® as a qualified provider of reflective supervision. Recently, the Alliance for the Advancement of IMH expanded the pathway to become a qualified provider of RSC across all Endorsement® categories and a range of educational backgrounds.

2. I supervise staff members of an Infant/Early Childhood program, but do not have direct experience or recent experience with children ages 0-5 and their caregivers. Can I still participate in the RSLC?

Yes, you can still participate. Historically, best practice standards for the provision of reflective supervision emphasized experience working with dyads (children ages 0-5 and their caregivers) while receiving RSC as a means to explore and notice what is coming up across relationships. Although this type of experience remains important, it is no longer deemed essential for assuming the role of Reflective Supervisor or Reflective Consultant.

3. I have never received RSC, but am really interested in this practice. Can I still participate?

The RSLC is best suited for IMH professionals who have some previous experience with reflective supervision, both having received and learned about it. Best practice in the field of IMH recommends that professionals receive RSC first, before providing it to others. Nonetheless, professionals with very little previous experience have benefited greatly from the RSLC. We recommend completing an application and sharing more about your interest and commitment to reflective and relational practices.

Application Process and Submitting Payment

1. Tell me about the application, what will be asked and how long does it take to complete? When is the application due?

   The application includes approximately 18 short answer questions. Please respond to all questions and provide thorough answers to help expedite the application review process. It should take about 30 minutes to complete and needs to be completed in one session. Applications are due by June 1st.

2. How will applications be processed? When will I find out if my application has been accepted?

   Applications will be processed in the order in which they are received. During the review of applications WI-AIMH staff may follow up with you as needed. Acceptance decisions will be communicated no later than July 1st. Once your application has been accepted, WI-AIMH will contact you and invoice you for the cost of the RSLC.

3. What is the cost to participate? When do I need to pay?

   The full cost of operating the RSLC is $2,700/participant for virtual conference years and $3,000/participant for in person conference years. A $200 discount will be given to WI-AIMH Members. WI-AIMH actively seeks fiscal support (grants, donations) to offset the cost of the RSLC for participants. Nonetheless, agencies should budget for the full amount. Full payment is due by July 15th.

In-Person Learning Sessions: 

1. Have the learning session days been determined?

   All of the trainings will be in-person and likely take place in the Madison area. The training days are tentatively scheduled as follows:

   • Application released: March 12th (newsletter)

   • Application closes: June 1st

   • Applicants notified of acceptance by: July 1st

   • Payment due: July 15th

   • Training Dates:

   Day 1: Tuesday August 5th, 2025
   Day 2: Wednesday August 6th, 2025
   Day 3: Tuesday March 3rd, 2026
   Day 4: Wednesday March 4th, 2026
   Day 5: Wednesday July 15, 2026

2. Who are the RSLC trainers?

   The RSLC trainer is WI-AIMH staff member (Carrie Finkbiner).

3. What topics will be covered at the in-person learning sessions?

   The learning sessions will be focused on content and knowledge acquisition in a discussion-based format (large group, small groups and paired activates). Videos and other resources will be used to explore reflective supervision content, elements, and facilitation.

   The following areas will be covered during the learning sessions:

   • IMH and the critical role of relationships to human development

   • Creating a reflective space for authentic participation

   • Defining reflective supervision and how it differs from other types of supervision

   • Important elements of reflective supervision & how to practice and apply the elements

   • The role of the self as a foundation for supporting others in reflection

   • Using FAN to support attunement within RSC

   • Strategies and tools that provide structure and consistency to reflective sessions

   • Deeper exploration of internal and external biases, culture, and social location

   • RSC implementation strategies and support

   • Self- care and wellness

   • Ongoing professional development including Endorsement®

4. Will Continuing Education Units (CEUs) be provided?

   Each participant will receive a Certificate of Attendance that can be used towards licensure or Endorsement®. WI-AIMH is able to provide individualized letters of attendance to those whose accreditation bodies require a letter.

5. Is lunch or other meals provided at trainings?

   Breakfast, lunch and light snacks will be provided at each training. We recommend bringing additional food or beverage items as needed, as well as a water bottle and coffee mug.

6. Will training sessions be recorded? Is there a virtual option?

   The training sessions are not recorded and we are currently not offering a virtual option.

7. I understand that the RSLC also covers registration to the WI Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health conference. Do I get to select conference sessions? Tell me how this works.

   Yes, you can select your conference sessions. Occasionally, we plan a special training or event for RSLC participants. In 2025 the conference will be a one-day virtual event. Starting in 2026 the conference will be held in person and each year thereafter.

Other Reflective Supervision Training Experience:

1. I’ve completed the UW-Madison Infant, Early Childhood and Family Mental Health Capstone Certificate Program. How does the RSLC differ? What will I gain from participating in the Learning Collaborate that I didn’t gain from attending the Capstone program?

   The Capstone Certificate Program is an excellent way to deepen your IMH practice and complements the RSLC well. However, whereas the Capstone Certificate Program provides coursework on a broad range of IMH topics, as well as experiential learning and the opportunity to receive RSC, the RSLC focuses only on reflective practices and how to provide it to others. The RSLC is for professionals who would like to learn how to provide and implement reflective supervision within their programs while receiving reflective support.

2. I’ve completed FAN training, how is this different? What, in addition to what I’ve gained through FAN training, will I get through participating in the Learning Collaborative?

   The RSLC will complement what you have already learned in FAN. We incorporate elements of FAN into the RSLC training and believe the RSLC will enhance your use and understanding of the FAN framework. Nonetheless, please consider your professional development needs carefully. If you are already implementing reflective supervision and feel confident in your competencies this may not be the right fit for you.

3. I already provide reflective supervision within my program, but I don’t receive my own RSC. Would this be a good fit for me?

   If you are currently providing RSC but want to deepen your reflective practices through training and experiential learning, the RSLC might be a good fit for you. If you only want to receive RSC we encourage you to connect with an Endorsed Reflective Supervisor, which WI-AIMH will help you secure.

Implementing/Providing Reflective Supervision within Your Program:

1. I don’t know if I will provide individual or group reflective supervision or a combination of both—is that okay?

   Yes! RSLC participants are not expected to begin providing reflective support during the Learning Collaborative. The RSLC will provide you with several ideas and strategies to help you determine the best approach for you, your team, and your program or agency.

2. Can more than one supervisor or administrator from an agency attend the Learning Collaborative?

   Yes, if all interested applicants intend to provide individual or group reflective supervision and meet the other application requirements. Each person will need to complete and submit an application.

3. Our program has two program supervisors who would like to participate in the Learning Collaborative and then share the responsibility of providing reflective supervision and/or co-facilitate a group. Is this possible?

   RSC groups should be consistent and regular--the same day and time and the same facilitator--to build trust and security within the group, which is difficult to achieve when there are frequent changes to the group. Sometimes the thought of facilitating a group can feel daunting and it’s often comforting to share the task with a colleague. If this captures your sentiment, we recommend limiting the group to 3 or 4 staff members so that it feels more manageable. Some programs need more flexibility, such as Early Care and Education programs, and may benefit from two facilitators. We understand the need to balance best practices with the unique needs of your program. The goal is to create a space where participants can authentically reflect upon the work and what’s coming up for them.

4. I would like one of my lead staff members to attend the RSLC. Although they are not providing supervision it is likely that they will be moving into a supervisory position. They otherwise meet all other requirements.

   Yes, a lead worker who will be assuming a supervisory or supportive role with IMH staff is appropriate.

Monthly Reflective Consultation:

1. What is the difference between reflective supervision and reflective consultation?

   Reflective supervision is provided by a program supervisor within the agency who serves as both the program supervisor and reflective supervisor to staff members. Reflective Consultation is when a provider, outside your program or agency, provides reflective group or individual support.

2. How many reflective consultation hours will I receive?

   You will receive up to 24 hours of reflective consultation hours. The groups meet once/month, within a virtual format, for 2 hours over the course of the RSLC.

3. Will I be assigned to a group? How does this part work?

   Yes, you will be assigned to a group of no more than five people (other RSLC participants). When assigning groups, we pay close attention to any conflicts of interests or other factors that may compromise the ability of RSLC participants to safely and authentically engage in reflection. The groups are typically composed of professionals representing different IMH disciplines and fields, for example a combination of mental health, early intervention, home visiting and education.

4. I’ve already received RSC (Capstone, Family Foundations Home Visiting, or other). Do I need to participate in the monthly reflective consultation or can I just attend the in-person training sessions?

   You will need to participate in the monthly reflective consultation, even if you’ve received reflective supervision in the past. The monthly reflective consultation is designed to support participants in their implementation of reflective supervision. It’s an opportunity to receive peer-based support and learning from others who are also implementing reflective supervision in their programs. If you feel this is not needed, or feel you are not able to commit to this piece, the RSLC is probably not a good fit for you.

5. Who provides the reflective consultation and will these hours meet Endorsement® requirements?

   The monthly reflective consultation is provided by qualified Reflective Consultants who have experience providing individual and group RSC. All of the RSLC Reflective Consultants are eligible providers of reflective supervision or consultation as determined by Endorsement® requirements.

6. What if my schedule changes and I cannot attend all of the monthly reflective sessions?

   Please set aside the time to participate in monthly reflective group. Ask for administrative support from your agency and ensure that this time is protected. If your schedule changes, communicate with your Reflective Consultant so that they can identify a new day/time that works for all group members.

7. Am I able to make up any monthly reflective consultation sessions that I miss?

   Make-up hours or extra group time will not be offered.

8. What if the Reflective Consultant cancels the group?

   In this circumstance, the Reflective Consultant will reschedule to make up the time.

9. How can I continue to receive reflective support after completing the Learning Collaborative?

   Consider signing up for a Virtual RSC group through WI-AIMH. If this doesn’t work for you, WI-AIMH will connect you with an eligible RSC provider. The cost for any ongoing reflective support would need to be paid for by the professional or agency.

Endorsement®

1. I’m already endorsed; can I still participate in the RSLC?

   Yes, you can still participate in the RSLC.

2. I’m not interested in applying for Endorsement®, can I still apply to the Learning Collaborative?

   Yes, you can still participate. After completing the RSLC we strongly encourage you to consider applying for Endorsement® and pursuing the Endorsed Reflective Supervisor (ERS) add-on so that the hours you provide to others count towards their Endorsement®.

3. It seems like a lot to take on—participating in the RSLC and applying for Endorsement®; how will all these components be managed so that it doesn’t feel too overwhelming?

   We recognize that this is a big commitment! We strongly advise that participants apply for Endorsement® after completing the Learning Collaborative. This way participants can focus on getting the most out of the RSLC learning experience.

4. I’m willing to apply for Endorsement®, but honestly, I don’t know much about it or the process. Will WI-AIMH provide any type of support or technical assistance?

   Yes! Each Learning Collaborative participant will be provided with an Endorsement® packet to help them get started. The application process is self-paced so we encourage each person to determine their time-frame, pace and overall goals. If you want to learn more about Endorsement®, feel free to visit our web page and explore the endorsement tab.

Agency or Administrative Support

1. I’m very interested (and excited) to attend, but I’m not feeling confident about my administrative support. What do you suggest?

   We appreciate you carefully considering your administrative backing, as it can be so critical to sustaining a new practice. There are a number of approaches to consider.

   • First, you can provide your administrator with some articles and talking points on the benefits of reflective supervision and how to set it up within your program. We’d be happy to connect you with resources or other materials.

   • Second, we could connect your administrator with a program supervisor or administrator who currently receives and/or provides RSC to share their experiences.

   • Third, a WI-AIMH staff member could meet with your administrator(s) to answer questions about reflective supervision and the RSLC as well as provide information and resources.

   • Fourth, we could connect your administrator with a current RSLC participant to share why their agency has prioritized participation in the RSLC and to answer questions.

   • Finally, you could encourage your administrator to attend the WI-AIMH annual conference or other infant/early childhood training that address the importance of reflective supervision. This is a great way to involve persons within your program and expose them to additional information and experts within the field of Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health.

   Please, be in touch with WI-AIMH if you are running into challenges related to administrative support. We would be happy to support you and connect with your administrator or program as needed.