I am Elisa Sewell, the social worker for the Early Childhood Diagnostic Team and Preschool Programs at Jefferson School.

I have been a social worker in District 64 since 1997. I began my career here at Carpenter School, and I have also worked at Roosevelt School as well as the Parochial/Private schools. I have worked as the part-time early childhood social worker at Jefferson since 2002. The diagnostic team part of my job began in 2012 with the dissolution of the township cooperative, MTSEP. I enjoy being part of a school team, part of a social emotional department, and part of the larger school district system.

As a social worker in the early childhood program, I am here as a resource for you and your family. Some of the things that I can help with are finding resources for families in need; providing support to families who may be having a hard time due to divorce, illness or economic difficulties; and consultation to help parents deal with challenging behaviors at home.

As the Early Childhood Program social worker, I spend time in the classrooms facilitating activities that are geared to improving social skills and play. In addition, I help children who need direct instruction to develop play schemes and emotional regulation.

As a member of Jefferson's Diagnostic Team, I am involved in the screening and evaluation process for students. This process begins with a social history assessment and continues through the IEP development. I also provide ongoing support for families as needed during their Early Childhood experience. During the school year I facilitate a monthly parent group (under construction) at Jefferson School that focuses on a range of topics.