Integrated Student Support Professionals:
School Psychologists

Role

According to their National Association, School Psychologists “have specialized training in both psychology and education. They use their training and skills to team with educators, parents, and other mental health professionals to ensure that every child learns in a safe, healthy and supportive environment. School psychologists understand school systems, effective teaching and successful learning. Today’s children face more challenges than ever before. School psychologists can provide solutions for tomorrow’s problems through thoughtful and positive actions today.”

Click here for more information about School Psychologists

Some students are eligible for psychological services as part of their Individualized Education Program, (IEP) under IDEA. Under IDEA '97 regulations, the term psychological services includes:

• "administering psychological and educational tests and other assessment procedures;
• interpreting assessment results;
• obtaining, integrating, and interpreting information about a student's behavior and conditions relating to learning;
• consulting with other staff members in planning school programs to meet the special needs of children as indicated by psychological tests, interviews, and behavioral evaluations;
• planning and managing a program of psychological services, including psychological counseling for students and parents; and
• assisting in developing positive behavioral intervention strategies." [Section 300.24(b)(9)] NICHCY News Digest

However, the State Department of Education Position Statement on Student Support Services (2001), expands these services to include "a continuum of developmental, preventative, remedial, and supportive services that enhance opportunities for all students to achieve academic success and personal well-being." Additionally, each school district has policies that shape practice.

State Organization

http://caspweb.org/

National Organizations

American Psychological Association
750 First Street NE
Washington , DC 20002
Telephone: 1-800-374-2721; (202) 336-5500

http://www.apa.org

National Association for School Psychologists
4340 East West Highway, #402
Bethesda , MD 20814
Telephone: (301) 657-0270; (301) 657-4155 (TTY)

http://www.nasponline.org/index2.html

Connecticut State Department of Education

Building a Bridge: A Transitional Manual for Students http://www.state.ct.us/sde/deps/special/BuildingABridge.pdf

The Connecticut Agenda http://www.state.ct.us/sde/deps/special/agenda.pdf

Developing Quality Programs for Pupil Services: A Self-Directed Guide (CSDE, 1999). http://www.state.ct.us/sde/deps/special/QPPupilSrves.pdf

Guidelines for Developing Policies and Procedures for Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect (2000). http://www.state.ct.us/sde/deps/special/abuse.pdf

Guidelines for Identifying and Educating Students with Serious Emotional Disturbance (1997) http://www.state.ct.us/sde/deps/special/SEDguide.pdf

Guidelines for Identifying Children with Intellectual Disability/Mental Retardation (2000) http://www.state.ct.us/sde/deps/special/intelguide.pdf

For More Information Please Contact

Bob Lichtenstein, Ph.D.
Consultant for School Psychologists
Connecticut State Department of Education
Bureau of Early Childhood, Family and Student Services
25 Industrial Park Road , Middletown , CT 06457
860-807-2042
Fax (860) 807-2062
bob.lichtenstein@po.state.ct.us

Resources on the Web

American Psychological Association: www.apa.org

Character Development Foundation www.charactered.org

Connecticut State Department of Education: http://www.state.ct.us/sde/commish/school_climate.htm

Educators for Social Responsibility/Resolving Conflicts Creatively Program: http://esrnational.org/

National Parent Teacher Association: www.pta.org

National School Board Association: www.nsba.org/schoolhealth/

Safe and Sound: An Educational Leader’s Guide to Evidence-Based Social and Emotional Learning Programs (2002). The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) http://www.casel.org/safeandsound.htm

Youth Violence: A Report of the Surgeon General :http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/youthviolence/

Connecticut Hot Line Numbers

• Birth to Three referrals (800-505-7000). This information and referral service, dedicated solely to concerns about children below age 3 with possible developmental delays or special needs, is the primary intake mechanism for birth to three services.
• Department of Children and Families (DCF) Hotline (800-842-2288). Call this 24-hour service to report suspected child abuse or neglect. If uncertain about whether to make a report, you can call administrative offices at 860-344-2599 to consult with a supervisor.
• INFOLINE (800-203-1234). This one-stop referral and information service can address every conceivable human services need. It doubles as a suicide prevention hotline and provides speakers on this topic.