Principal Role

Implementation Check-Ins

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Summary

Regular Implementation Check-Ins are vital for assessing the effectiveness of school-based mental health and wellness initiatives throughout the school year. By collaborating with the Coordinator to conduct check-ins at key benchmarks, you’ll gain valuable insights into your school’s progress and areas for improvement.

STEP 1

Meet & Orient Clinician(s)

Introduce the Clinicians to the school team and provide school site orientation. Create a plan for integration into both the school team and the broader school community.

    • Conduct general introduction with Clinician

      • Support Clinician in acclimating to school site/campus:

      • Provide school/campus access instructions

      • Assign Clinical office/space where Clinician will work

      • Notify Clinician of important upcoming meetings/activities

    • Facilitate thorough orientation for new Clinicians. Orientation activities
      can include:

      • Discuss plan for Clinician’s integration into the school team

      • Discuss plan for integrating Clinician into school community

      • Provide school calendar

      • Ensure Clinician’s workspace meets confidentiality needs

STEP 2

Introduce Clinician To School Team And Community

Implement clinician integration plan and create ongoing opportunities for the clinician to engage with the school community to build strong relationships with students, staff, and families.

    • Staff meetings

    • Back-to-School Night

    • Parent and community events

    • Schedule Clinician introduction with school team (introduction during staff meetings, clinical team meetings, etc.)

    • Schedule Clinician introduction to students (introduction during school assemblies, class time, lunchroom, recess, etc.)

    • Schedule Clinician introduction to parents and families (Back-to-School Night, school events, etc.)

    • Facilitate ongoing opportunities for integration and relationship-building, supporting Clinician(s) becoming a part of the school team/community

STEP 3

Ensure Accessible Wellness Space At School When Possible

Creating an accessible wellness space within the school is ideal for promoting mental health and well-being among students. This designated area serves as a safe haven where students can unwind, seek support, and engage in activities that foster relaxation and mindfulness.

STEP 4

Form Clinical Team or Integrate Clinician (and other SCOW staff) into existing Clinical Team

Facilitate a role clarity meeting to help the clinical team better understand everyone's specific roles and responsibilities. By clarifying the clinician's role in school operations you'll foster alignment and prepare the team to respond effectively, helping everyone work more cohesively within the school environment.

    • Lead a role clarity meeting where topics include:

      • Ensuring role clarity amongst clinical team members

      • Identifying levels of support and how Clinician can provide additional support to students

      • Clarifying Clinician’s role in various school operations, including crises

STEP 5

Establish COST Team and Meeting Schedule if not in existence

Establish a foundation for coordinated student support by creating a COST team and setting a consistent meeting schedule if one is not already in place.

    • Learn about the Coordination of Services Team (COST) structure

    • Invite and include SCOW Clinicians and Family Navigator to various meetings (MTSS, PBIS, IEP, 504, SST, etc.) as appropriate to ensure continuity of care and refer to COST meetings as needed for additional support

    • Indentify COST members

    • Establish COST meeting schedule

STEP 6

Establish Referral Process

Establish a clear and consistent referral process to ensure students are connected to the appropriate supports in a timely manner.

    • Provide ABC data (attendance, behavior, course performance) at COST meetings with focus on high needs students.

    • Explore school’s current referral processes if established

    • Establish universal referral process if needed