Classrooms and Support Services Questions

The classroom teacher will likely suggest that the social worker or school psychologist become involved in assessing what supports might be helpful to change behaviors that are interfering with a child's success. Conversations between school and home will assist in generating a plan to address the needs of the child.

"Changing Families" groups occur throughout the school year to address the issues that are common in families going through a divorce or separation. 

Please inform the classroom teacher of your situation. He/she will notify the school social worker so that the process for receiving assistance can begin. The McKinney-Vento Act ensures that families and children receive the support they need during a disruption in their living arrangements.

Accidents do occur at the K-2 level. It is always a good idea to keep a set of spare clothes at school. Frequent accidents, however, may signal that something is wrong. For example, are they always occurring during a specific subject? Perhaps this is an avoidance issue. Perhaps there is a medical reason. Talk to your child's teacher. With support, we can help tackle this difficult problem.

Children need frequent, regular reinforcements when working on modifying behaviors. A small daily reward can help to promote the desired behaviors. Keep the rewards small and manageable--an extra story at bedtime; five extra minutes of game time; a small treat.

Limit the play date to 2 hours. You always want to end on a high note--with kids wishing they had more time together! For the first play date, try meeting at a public place--like Timbertown. For at home play dates, put your child's preferred toys away if you anticipate she will have a hard time sharing that special toy with a friend.