Psychological Services
The Psychological Services Department is staffed with three Social Workers, five Behavior Intervention Specialists, one Board Certified Behavior Analyst and five Licensed Specialists in School Psychology.
Psychological services as defined by IDEA include some services not defined strictly as psychological in nature and therefore can be appropriately provided by other trained personnel including behavior specialists, school social workers, counselors and other members of the special education evaluation team.
Social Workers
Social Workers are primarily responsible for coordinating and integrating school and community resources. They are responsible for initiating the special education referral process and providing transitional services for students attending federal/state/local programs and private schools.
Behavior Intervention Specialists
The Behavior Specialists collaborate with special education assessment personnel and school staff to determine the need for a Functional Behavioral Evaluation. Based on evaluation results, behavior specialists assist special education teachers in developing behavioral goals and objectives to assist the student. Behavior Specialists can recommend specific evidenced-based practices (EBPs). They train general and special education teachers in the implementation of strategies (EBPs) to increase student’s academic and social/emotional learning. Behavior Specialists also provide training to parents/caregivers to assist with the generalization of behavior goals and objectives mastered at school to the home and community settings.
Licensed Specialists in School Psychology (LSSP)
The National Association of School Psychology indicates that school psychologists are uniquely qualified members of school teams. They apply expertise in mental health, learning, and behavior to help children and youth succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally. School psychologists partner with families, teachers, school administrators, and other professionals to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments that strengthen connections between home, school, and the community. The key foundations for all services by school psychologists are understanding of diversity in development and learning; research and program evaluation; and legal, ethical, and professional practice.
At United ISD, Licensed Specialists in School Psychology (LSSP) strive to provide quality, broadly based psychological services to the entire school district through a comprehensive service delivery system. Services include consulting with parents, teachers, administrators or other members of the special education evaluation team; conducting comprehensive emotional/behavioral evaluations for the purpose of qualifying students under Texas Education Agency (TEA) criteria for the disability conditions of Emotional Disturbance or Autism; participating in the development of IEPs; and providing training for teachers or staff. LSSPs also play a significant role in the development, implementation, training, and on-going operation of preventative programs, such as Suicide Prevention, Mental Health Awareness, and Crisis Management.
Behavior
National Association of School Psychologists
Mental Health
COMMUNITY RESOURCES LIST
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