Therapeutic Program

The Birchwood clinical mission is to create an environment where students feel safe to share their feelings and to problem-solve with supportive adults. Through our therapeutic educational program, teachers and clinical staff collaborate so that educational strategies align with students' social and emotional needs. Our team of psychologists and social workers provide on-going emotional support both within and outside the classrooms. In addition, our special education teachers and professional staff prioritize emotional awareness, behavior regulation, and sensory regulation throughout the students' educational day.

Our therapeutic services include:

• Weekly individual counseling sessions

• Small groups to facilitate social activities (i.e., game playing)

• Social-Emotional Learning activities within the classroom

• Conflict resolution support

• Student-teacher problem-solving support

• Crisis intervention

• Safety assessments

• Parent-teacher-therapist collaboration

• Monthly parent meetings

• Referral to community resources

• Strong focus on Kindness Initiatives throughout the school

Emotional Awareness: Ruler SEL Program

Birchwood uses the RULER Social - Emotional Learning Program. This program teaches students to recognize and label their feelings to build greater emotional awareness as they work through their day. This helps students understand how feelings impact decisions and behavior. Next, by taking "Meta-Moments", students can reflect on their feelings and applying healthy coping strategies. The Mood Meter is a resource used to help student recognize their emotions. To learn more about the Mood Meter, click on the link below:

https://vimeo.com/98375367

Behavior Regulation: Birchwood PAWS

Birchwood also utilizes a school-wide behavior expectations program. The PAWS emphasizes four behaviors which promote academic and social success:

• P - Practice Safety

• A - Act Respectfully

• W - Work Responsibly

• S- Show Consideration

These components are communicated by school staff to help students regulate their behavior choices and thereby find success in their school day. This rubric aligns with K-8th grade classroom contracts to help students self-monitor and develop self-awareness.