Special Services and Programs

School Psychologist

The school psychologist works with the entire school community toward the goal of helping all students reach their full potential. A primary role of the School Psychologist is to act as a consultant to teachers, parents, and administrators in order to develop strategies that address learning needs. They also specialize in performing sophisticated diagnostic evaluations, which help determine the student’s strengths and weaknesses. Individual assessments also provide information useful in the planning of appropriate educational programs.

Social Workers, K-12

This service offers assistance to the child and family, working with those problems in a child’s living situation (home, school, community) that affect the child’s adjustment in school. The social work services may include:

• Improving communication and interaction between the student, family, and school personnel helps the child develop a more positive self-concept.
• Improving the child’s relationships with others.
• Developing objectives to encourage appropriate behaviors.
• Designing behavior programs in consultation with the classroom teacher.
• Individual and group counseling services.
• Consultation with and support for classroom teachers and support staff.
• Filing Medicaid reimbursement for services.

Speech Pathologists

The Speech and Language program provides evaluation, consultation, and/or direct therapy to students with communication disorders such as stuttering, impaired articulation, language impairment, or voice disorders. Speech improvement is also provided to non-disabled students within the building.

Occupational Therapists

Occupational therapy involves the functional evaluation of a student and the planning and use of a program of purposeful activities to develop or maintain adaptive skills, designed to achieve maximal physical and mental functioning of the student in his or her daily life tasks. Our district licensed Occupational Therapist (OT) provides a wide range of services to assist with adaptations and compensations that allow children to participate in educational tasks. OT services focus on fine motor skills, visual-perceptual skills, sensory integration issues, functional living skills, and adaptive equipment.

Physical Therapists

Physical therapy involves the evaluation of a student and the planning and use of a treatment plan/program to promote and facilitate postural security and mobility so that children have the freedom to focus on educational tasks. Our district licensed Physical Therapist (PT) focuses on balance, coordination, motor planning, adaptive equipment, physical handling, and architectural barriers.