Unique Solutions for Challenging Behaviors

Planning Committee Matt Burrows, Principal Redding Middle Jim Comegys, Principal, MHS Donna Kolakowski, Principal, Cedar Lane Mary Ann Mieczkowski, Supervisor of Special Education Sharon Pepukayi, Principal, Silver Lake Kittie Rehrig, Supervisor of Student Services Charles Sheppard, Principal, Townsend

Identified Need Students with serious emotional needs Often in and out of psychiatric programs Impacts learning The traditional classrooms lacks appropriate supports for students socially and/or emotionally. Placement in NCC Consortium alternative programs not appropriate. Ongoing mental health support in the school setting Cost benefit better then out-of-District placement.

Plan for Elementary Schools At the beginning of March, pilot a therapeutic classroom at Cedar Lane Elementary. The classroom would serve up to 10 students who display severe behaviors and identified as receiving special education services. The classroom would consist of a teacher, a masters level therapist provided by Providence Corporation, a paraprofessional, and psychiatric consultation.

Plan for Secondary Schools Pilot a consultative program in the secondary schools. The consultant would observe the student in the school, community and home setting Provide the school and family with a behavior treatment plan. Provide strategies for the student, school staff and family that will help the student Provide short-term crisis support for the student and family, assistance with connecting with community treatment, and support in the school Students who are referred will have a psychiatric diagnosis, receive special education services and are experiencing extreme difficulties even with the traditional supports that are provided.

Providence Corporation Providence was established in 1996 in Tucson Arizona. They serve over 62,000 youths, adults and families daily in 43 States, DC and Canada. Some of the services they provide: Intensive In- Home Services, Case Management, Community Corrections, Support for Developmentally Disabled, Autism Services, Therapeutic Foster Care, Mentoring, School Based Services, Substance Abuse Treatment, Transportation, Tutoring and Workforce Development/Job Training.

Support with Parents Individual planning for each child Home to school connections Treatment/intervention with families

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