Reframing Our Words: Communicating with Families

with Michelle Oliver, MS, ECSE
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
3:00pm-4:30pm | Virtual Event

Can't attend the event live? Register to receive access to the recording!

Having collaborative relationships with families can have periods that may require us to reframe how we address priorities and concerns.  A “reset” with families in early intervention provides an intentional opportunity to pause, reflect, and realign the partnership when communication, expectations, or progress feel off track. It helps rebuild trust, clarify shared goals, and restore a sense of collaboration. By acknowledging challenges openly and re-centering the focus on the family’s priorities and the child’s growth, providers can strengthen relationships, enhance engagement, and ensure the intervention remains family-centered and effective.

Learning Objectives:
By the end of the session, participants will be able to:

• Describe key principles of family-centered and strengths-based communication that foster trust and collaboration.
• Apply reframing strategies to shift from deficit-focused to strengths-based language when discussing child and family needs.
• Recognize and demonstrate communication approaches that invite partnership, reflection, and shared decision-making with families.
• Reflect on their own communication habits and identify opportunities to “reset” or realign with families to strengthen relationships and outcomes.

Michelle Oliver, MS, ECSE
Michelle has worked in the field of Early Intervention in a variety of capacities since 1994. She provides technical assistance to several programs in her area and throughout the state. Michelle serves on the California Interagency Coordinating Council on Early Intervention and has presented at numerous conferences.  She is a Coach and Instructor for the Santa Clara County Office of Education's Educator Preparation Program (EPP) with an emphasis on family systems and trauma-informed practices. Michelle has served as a Board Member with the Infant Development Association for the past ten years.

Non-Member: $55
IDA Agency/Individual Member: $40
IDA Parent/Student/New Clinician Member: $30

IDA CE Hours: Nursing, PT, Speech and Language $15 (1.5 hour)
CDI CE Hours: LCSW, LMFT, LEP, LPCC (you will be invoiced)

ADA Requests: As a part of the Infant Development Association’s ongoing commitment to inclusion, we offer accommodations when possible. Please email IDA at [email protected] 10 business days prior to the event to request accommodations (ASL interpretation, large print, etc.).

Limited number of scholarships available.

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