Your child may have social, emotional or behavioral challenges which impact his or her ability to learn. If so, those needs should be addressed as part of the IEP. The team may decide your child may benefit from services, supports, and/or annual goals to address the areas that are impacting performance and their participation in school. School-based counseling services are provided to students as a short term intervention to assist them in developing strategies and skills to be able to cope with their social or emotional needs. If the IEP team develops goals for school-based counseling, you should receive regular progress reports on those goals at the same time that you receive progress reports for all other IEP goals.
These services may include:
- Behavioral interventions
- Time limited group or individual counseling
- Whole class presentations on social skills, problem solving strategies, or other topics
- Consultation to general or special education teachers
- Short term parent counseling and training specific to their child's disability or needs
The success of these interventions is measured by educational outcomes. Examples of positive outcomes might include: Improved time on task, the ability to regulate their emotional state, better attendance, reduced number of behavioral outbursts or aggressive acts, etc. If students are not showing progress in their educational goals, the IEP team may consider a referral for more intensive social/emotional services.
The SELPA employs Social Emotional Services Specialists who work with local districts to assist with children with challenging behaviors and/or mental health needs.