School Social Work Services

What they are

&

How to access them

How does a student access school social work services?

Students can access school social work services in a variety of ways. At the middle school level, many students find me between classes or send me emails asking to meet. A student can also tell their teacher that they'd like to talk to me.

Students might be referred by their teachers or school staff. Occasionally a peer lets me know that they are concerned for a friend or classmate.

Parents also refer their children for counseling services or contact me to find out about counseling agencies or resources in the area.

Parents are welcome to contact me at any time by calling the school at 309-925-3823 or emailing tonya.schlickman@d702.org.

How are school social work services provided?

School social work services might be provided through classroom sessions, resources available throughout the building, teamwork with teachers, or individual or group counseling sessions.

What is a school social worker?

As a school social worker I am a part of the educational team. I work with all students, school staff, and parents to assist students with their social and emotional growth. My primary focus is to help each student receive the most from their educational experience.

School social workers provide skills training and counseling to students for issues impacting their education, assist staff in working with students, provide resources to families, work with community agencies to meet student needs, and provide education to staff and students on emotional health.

School social workers help STUDENTS:

achieve the maximum benefit from their educational opportunities
understand themselves and others
improve interpersonal relationships
cope with stress
develop decision making skills

School social workers help PARENTS:

participate effectively in their children's education
understand and meet their children's social and emotional needs
understand programs available to students with special needs
utilize school and community resources effectively

School social workers help SCHOOLS:

understand factors (cultural, societal, economic, familial, health, etc.) that affect students' abilities to make maximum use of their school experience
utilize their resources in meeting the educational, social and emotional needs of students
promote a safe school environment

School social workers help COMMUNITIES:

understand school policies, programs, and practices
minimize those environmental factors which inhibit learning
develop resources to adequately meet the needs of students and families

1997-2016 Illinois Association of School Social Workers