Encompass preschool families recently celebrated fun ‘soaring into summer’ gatherings to mark the end of the school year and, for some students, the end of their preschool chapters. For teachers who’ve enjoyed a front-row seat to big transformations, these celebrations often take on a special meaning. Encompass Lead Preschool Teacher Madi Shinn shares her perspective.

One of the most rewarding parts of teaching is seeing how much children grow and flourish over time.

Two years ago, one child entered our classroom feeling very anxious about being away from their family. Leaving home for school was challenging, and they often struggled with separation. Over the past two years, it has been incredible to watch their confidence and independence develop. Now, on days when school is not in session, they tell their parents how much they miss being here. Their family has shared that they eagerly get themselves ready each morning and are excited to come to school. Watching this child grow into a confident and independent learner has been truly rewarding.

Another child in our classroom had a twin sibling in a different class. At the beginning of the year, being separated was difficult because they had always spent their time together. As the year progressed, this child began branching out and building relationships with other classmates. By the end of the year, they actively engaged in play with peers, initiated interactions, and confidently participated in group activities. It was wonderful to see them develop a stronger sense of independence while continuing to thrive socially.

A third child joined our classroom two years ago with very limited speech and communication skills. At that time, they used only a few words to express themselves. Over the past two years, their growth has been remarkable. They now engage in conversations with both peers and teachers, communicate their wants and needs effectively, and participate in everyday classroom discussions. Watching this child develop their vocabulary, build friendships, and gain confidence in their communication has been an amazing transformation to witness.

Another child who joined our classroom for the first time this school year had a very difficult transition. At drop-off, they were often sad and hesitant to stay at school. Through consistent routines, patience, and the trusting relationships we built together, this child gradually became more comfortable and confident in the classroom. In time, they looked forward to coming to school each day and often expressed how much they missed it when we were not in session. Seeing their confidence grow was especially meaningful as this child prepares to transition to kindergarten next year.

The list of examples could go on and on. While it can be easy to get caught up in the day-to-day activity of teaching a busy classroom of preschoolers, the end of the school year offers a great opportunity to reflect on each child. To remember their unique challenges when they first entered the classroom and then rejoice at their growth across one or two years. Our team is so grateful to be part of these significant journeys as students prepare for their next chapters.

The post View from Inside the Classroom: A Teacher’s Unique Perspective first appeared on Encompass.

Many of our staff members are bilingual and represent different cultures. Together, they have developed a program that not only embraces differences but sees them as a strength for a more enriching preschool experience.

Classroom Sharing

In our Carnation classroom, each child has a turn as student of the week. During a special circle time, they share a poster that tells the class more about them and their family – favorite foods, traditions, celebrations, or pictures of diverse family designs.

Families are invited to visit classrooms to share something about their culture. One of our North Bend classrooms recently enjoyed a tortilla-making session. Donning a traditional Mexican dress, a parent led students through a few simple steps where they rolled their own dough ball, used a press to smash it into a tortilla, then took it to the griddle for cooking. They loved their tasty lunchtime treats!

Encourage Use of Home Language and English at School

Hearing their home language at school benefits children because it fosters stronger cognitive development, enhances academic performance in both the home language and English, and supports emotional well-being by affirming their cultural identity. It acts as a bridge between home and school, allowing for better comprehension of complex concepts while reducing the stress of learning new content solely in a second language.

Multilingual Signage

Schedules, vocabulary, and other signage are displayed in different languages in the classrooms, representing the diversity of students and exposing them to those languages. Teachers also make use of posters and art that are reflective of different languages and cultures.

Songs and Stories in Different Languages

When students read stories and sing songs in languages that are representative of the children in the classroom, it helps them build strong language foundations, enhances comprehension, and supports bilingualism. It fosters a sense of belonging and validates their home culture, making them feel secure and valued in the classroom environment.

Lead Carnation Preschool Teacher Sarah Holmes shares, “Throughout the year, children begin picking up words and phrases in new languages and use them frequently. Including diversity in the classroom helps children see differences as strengths and unique characteristics rather than differences.”

Sarah elaborated on the importance of intentional cultural integration and the impact on children, families, and communities.

“Children respond amazingly to integrated cultures and backgrounds in the classroom. Not only do they see themselves and their families, but they also get to see and learn about their friends. It is a huge component for building our close-knit classroom community, which often extends past the school walls and into the communities the children live in.”

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What Is Reflective Consultation?

Reflective Consultation is a relationship-based, collaborative process that supports people working with young kids and their families. Reflective consultation offers a safe space where practitioners can slow down, explore their emotional responses, examine their relationships with families, and develop deeper insights into the work they do.

At its core, Reflective Consultation recognizes that caring for very young children and their families is emotionally demanding work. When professionals are supported through reflective processes, they’re better equipped to provide sensitive, responsive care that promotes healthy development and strong relationships. Reflective consultation is rooted in the concept of parallel process. Just as we want caregivers to be attuned, responsive, and emotionally available to young children, reflective consultants model these same qualities with the professionals they support. This creates a ripple effect where the quality of the consultant-consultee relationship directly influences the quality of care provided to children and families.

Key Components of Effective Reflective Consultation

Regular, Consistent Meetings: Reflective consultation isn’t a one-time workshop or crisis intervention. It requires ongoing, scheduled meetings that allow for relationship building and deeper exploration over time.

Focus on Relationships: Rather than simply problem-solving or skill-building, reflective consultation examines the relationships at the heart of early childhood work—between professional and family, between caregiver and child, and between the professional and their own emotional responses.

Emotional Safety: Participants need to feel safe expressing vulnerability, uncertainty, and even frustration. This requires consultants who are skilled in creating non-judgmental spaces and managing their own emotional responses.

Observation and Wondering: Reflective consultation often involves careful observation of interactions followed by collaborative wondering about what might be happening beneath the surface. This develops practitioners’ capacity for reflective thinking.

Strength-Based Approach: While acknowledging challenges and areas for growth, effective reflective consultation builds on existing strengths and recognizes the expertise that practitioners bring to their work.

The Research Behind Reflective Consultation

Studies have consistently shown that reflective consultation leads to improved outcomes for both professionals and the families they serve. Research indicates that practitioners who receive regular reflective consultation demonstrate:

• Increased job satisfaction and reduced burnout
• Greater capacity for self-reflection and professional growth
• Reduced staff turnover in early childhood programs

For families, the benefits include more sensitive and responsive caregiving, stronger relationships with service providers, and better engagement in services.

The Ripple Effect: From Consultation Room to Community

When we invest in reflective consultation for early childhood professionals, we’re really investing in the entire early childhood system. Supported professionals provide better care, which leads to stronger families, which creates healthier communities. The infant mental health principles that guide reflective consultation—attunement, responsiveness, and relationship-based care—become embedded in how we approach all our work with young children and families.

As our understanding of early brain development continues to evolve, the importance of supporting those who care for our youngest children becomes increasingly clear. Reflective Consultation isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential infrastructure for any system committed to promoting healthy development and strong relationships from the very beginning of life.

Encompass is now adding a monthly Reflective Consultation session for early childhood professionals in our community.  If you are interested, please join us for this important group. Learn more at the link below.

Reflective Consultation Meeting for Early Learning Professionals

The post Nurturing the Helpers: How Reflective Consultation Transforms Early Childhood Care first appeared on Encompass.

At Sensory Adventures Camp, children aged 5-8 who may not thrive in typical camp environments are given a safe, supportive, and therapeutic space to be seen, heard, and valued. Our pediatric therapy team understands the significance of meeting children where they are emotionally and developmentally. Many traditional camps simply aren’t equipped to provide the individualized support that children with mental health, speech, or occupational challenges need.

This is where Sensory Adventures Camp stands out. With a foundation built on Trust-Based Relational Interventions (TBRI) and DIR Floortime, this camp offers an approach that is not only trauma-informed but intensely focused on supporting children’s developmental needs. The program is thoughtfully designed to support children in managing emotions, developing social skills, and improving communication. Our dedicated therapists create a nurturing environment that honors each child’s unique sensory needs and emotional journeys and will integrate one-on-one therapeutic support throughout the camp day:

• Mental health therapists will help children build and practice emotional regulation skills, learn to advocate for their own needs, and develop trust in safe adults.
• Occupational therapists will support children in navigating their sensory experiences and improving their ability to regulate.
• Speech therapists will guide children in enhancing their communication skills, focusing on peer interactions and functional communication.

This multidisciplinary approach ensures every child’s unique needs are met while they enjoy fun, hands-on learning that emphasizes play, creativity, and connection.

Understanding Physical Cues

One of the most exciting parts of Sensory Adventures Camp is the focus on interoception (the ability to recognize and interpret the signals our bodies send us). For many people, understanding physical sensations like hunger, tiredness, or anxiety can be challenging. Children will learn and practice how to identify and respond to these sensations, which will help them build self-awareness and emotional regulation.

Peer Interaction

Peer communication will be a major focus of camp. Through structured play and small group interactions, children will practice and improve their social communication skills in a low-pressure/low-demand, supportive environment. Group interactions will be based on shared special interests so that kids aren’t trying to connect with peers or activities they don’t find interesting.  Learning to connect with peers, express emotional and physical needs, and understand relational cues is essential, but can be difficult. By focusing on these skills in a calm, structured environment, Sensory Adventures provides a foundation for future social authenticity.

Self-Advocacy

Another key part of the camp’s mission is to teach children how to advocate for themselves. Whether asking for a break when they’re feeling overwhelmed, requesting sensory tools, or simply expressing a need, learning to communicate needs effectively is an important skill for all children, especially those with neurodiverse profiles.  When kids can advocate for themselves either verbally or through Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices, their levels of frustration and aggression decrease significantly.

Trusted Relationships

The Sensory Adventures Camp is led by a trauma-informed educator who understands the importance of building trust before attempting learning activities. Many of the children who attend camp may have experienced trauma or struggle with anxiety, so having a safe adult who can connect with them through playful interactions and guide them through challenging moments is essential. This trust-building aspect is a cornerstone of Sensory Adventures Camp, ensuring that every child feels supported, seen, and heard throughout their time at camp.

Play!

At Sensory Adventures Camp, the learning process is grounded in hands-on play and curiosity-driven exploration. We know that children learn best when they are engaged and excited, so each day is filled with opportunities for kids to explore, create, and discover. Whether they are playing in sensory-rich activities or engaging in imaginative group play, the goal is always to spark curiosity, build a love for learning, and create memories of feeling connected with others that will stay with them long after camp ends.

By incorporating play-based therapies into the daily routine, kids are given the chance to practice real-world skills in a safe environment. Play is THE work of childhood, and we firmly believe that through play, children can express themselves, develop essential relationship skills, and experience joy.

Ultimately, Sensory Adventures isn’t just a summer camp. It’s a carefully crafted therapeutic experience designed to meet the unique needs of neurodiverse children in a way that traditional camps simply can’t. By integrating trauma-informed care, interoception practices, and peer communication skill-building into each day, this camp offers more than just play; it offers a chance for children to feel seen, heard, and supported. If your child is looking for a place to grow, learn, and explore, without the pressures of a traditional camp, this is the perfect place. Give your child the gift of a summer filled with support, understanding, and fun that could make a lasting difference in their emotional, social, and developmental growth.

Details About Encompass Sensory Adventures Camp

Ages: 5-8 years old

Dates: Monday-Thursday, August 4 – August 14, 2025; 9:00 am-1:00 pm

Cost: $1,500 for the full two-week program

Location: Encompass Early Learning Center on Boalch Ave.

Program Includes: Occupational therapy, speech therapy, and mental health therapy integrated throughout the day (Therapy will be billed to insurance).

Registration: https://bit.ly/4jGVFi5

For more information, please reach out to Megan Walsh, Encompass Mental Health Director, at megan.walsh@encompassnw.org

The post Sensory Adventures: The Therapeutic Summer Day Camp Your Child Deserves first appeared on Encompass.

Mosaic began receiving support from Encompass Child Care Health Consultation (CCHC) Nurse, Caitlin Young. Our CCHC team provides free support to licensed childcare programs, preschools, and other care provider programs, empowering providers to nurture the healthy development of the children in their care. When Caitlin learned about the unique needs of many Mosaic students, she suggested the school might benefit from the Encompass Community-Based Services program.

Centered around therapy services provided in a child’s natural environment in childcare and preschool settings, the Community-Based Services (CBS) program supports the occupational, speech-language, and mental health goals of children, 3-years-old and up. By working inside the community, the program reduces barriers to access and widens support services for children and families.

Christine jumped at the opportunity to be included. Her own child began receiving services in the classroom and other families quickly followed suit. What began as Encompass visits two days a week expanded to four days a week, with more than half of the students at Mosaic currently receiving services as part of their natural preschool day.

One Mosaic family began their Encompass journey with our Early Support for Infants and Toddler program when their child was 2 years old. As they looked for a preschool program and discovered Encompass provided onsite therapy services at Mosaic, it helped make their decision. Not only does their son receive regular therapy services he wouldn’t be able to get otherwise, but his therapists are also able to see him in his natural environment with his peers. They see how he responds to distractions or how he is socializing and can provide appropriate support in that setting.

“He also gets more contact. Therapists are there four mornings a week. He wouldn’t get this kind of support if we had to work around school.”

The family also praised the collaboration between therapists and educators. When teachers realized that some of the child’s challenges typically occur during morning outside time, they scheduled his therapy time around that play session. As he fully engages with his peers outside, his therapists are positioned to observe, provide support where needed, and offer coaching to teachers about tools and techniques that work best for him.

Christine echoed the benefits of the therapist and educator collaboration.

“When a child is experiencing challenges, the therapist can work with that child in their natural setting. Teachers can continue with the rest of the class but also have an opportunity to observe what is happening with the child and therapist. This gives them tools they haven’t had before, and often tools that work for one kid, end up working for all.”

Christine also stressed that the benefits extend right to Mosaic Montessori as a whole. Preschools often aren’t equipped to handle students with neurodiverse profiles. As a result, some of her students started with one school but couldn’t stay or just didn’t have the support needed, so they left.

“Many of those kids have found refuge here. The schools that don’t have Encompass are missing out.”

Another benefit she has witnessed is the normalization of therapy.

“Other kids see and want to join in. Sometimes the whole class gets involved and it makes the kid receiving therapy not feel singled out, but instead, special.”

While the Community-Based Services program has a far-reaching impact on her preschool program and families, Christine also expressed her gratitude for the personal difference in her family.  As a working mom with a son requiring additional support, she simply cannot leave work or pull him out of school for the level of care he needs. Because of the Encompass CBS Program, she doesn’t have to. The benefit to her son can’t be understated.

“He wouldn’t be able to be the very best him without that support.”

Resources:

To learn more about the Encompass Community-Based Services program and where it’s offered, visit https://encompassnw.org/program/pediatric-therapy/community-based-services/.

Watch our Encompass It All Spotlight on Community-Based Services here: https://youtu.be/t8W8Hu5pT10

Take a deeper look at Community-Based Services with our Parent Talks Podcast: https://encompassnw.org/understanding-community-based-services/

If you are a center provider and would like to learn more about offering Community-Based Services in your program, reach out to pediatrictherapy@encompassnw.org.

The post An Outside Lens on Community-Based Services first appeared on Encompass.

Centered around therapy services provided in preschools and childcare settings, the program supports the occupational, speech-language, and mental health goals of children, 3 years old and up. Services are provided in small groups or one-to-one in the classroom or childcare center with an emphasis on supporting participation in the natural setting.

By working inside the community, Encompass demonstrates its ongoing commitment to partnership, reducing barriers to access, and widening support services for children and families in the Greater Snoqualmie Valley.

In this episode of our Parent Talks podcast, we sit down with Encompass Pediatric Therapy Director Rachel Peterson to learn more about how the Community-Based Services program works and its profound impact on children, families, and educators. Encompass Lead Teacher Madi Shinn and Encompass Child and Family Therapist Molly Steuber share their insights on the importance of therapist and educator collaboration, how this unique approach normalizes therapy, and why early support sets children up for a smoother transition to elementary school.

Resources:

Learn more about Encompass Community-Based Services

Watch our Encompass It All Video on Community-Based Services

The post Understanding Community-Based Services first appeared on Encompass.