Parent Rights & Leadership

Parent Rights

If you have a concern or disagree with any part of the early intervention process, call your Family Resources Coordinator. They can help you explore options to resolve your concern(s). If your concern(s) have not been addressed, formal dispute resolution options are available to families.

The parent rights brochure provides information about dispute resolution options:

Get the publication in multiple languages

For more information, visit ESIT's Dispute Resolution page. 

Formal Dispute Resolution Options

Parent Leadership

Are there other opportunities for me to be involved?

ESIT welcomes involvement from families who participate in early intervention. There are opportunities for parent leadership at the local and state levels. For more information, contact the ESIT Parent Participation Coordinator at (360) 725-4413.

Read more about parent involvement through the State Interagency Coordinating Council and the County Interagency Coordinating Council.

Parent Institute for Engagement (PIE)

The Parent Institute for Engagement (PIE) is a 12-month training program for parents or caregivers with children who have received early intervention services through the Early Support for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT) program and primarily for those who are not working in the early intervention field. One spot on PIE is designated for a parent or caregiver who has worked in the early intervention field. Our goal is to have a racially and geographically diverse group of participants. We help build skills to become better leaders, advocates, public speakers and active members of our state.

For more information contact Vanessa Allen, ESIT Family Engagement Coordinator at vanessa.allen@dcyf.wa.gov.

PIE Cohort 7 Graduation

Congratulations to the inspiring parent leaders of the PIE Cohort 7! Check out the PIE Cohort 7 Graduation Video, where members reflect on their powerful journeys and share what PIE has meant to them—in their own words. Watch the video (16:38): Parent Institute for Engagement (PIE) Cohort 7 Graduation

Introducing PIE Cohort 8

We are excited to introduce PIE Cohort 8, our newest group of family leaders from across Washington state. These parents and caregivers bring rich lived experience and diverse perspectives. They’ve navigated early intervention firsthand, and now they are stepping into leadership to help shape systems, so every family feels seen, heard, and supported. In this short video, you’ll hear directly from Cohort 8 as they introduce themselves, share what inspired them to apply and reflect on what they hope to learn throughout their journey with PIE. 

Watch their introductions (16:52):  PIE Cohort 8 - Welcome Video