Social Workers - How Can They Help?

What is a METCO Social Worker?

Lexington METCO Social Workers bring a special knowledge base, skill and perspective to the educational process and within the school. METCO Social Workers focus on the well-being of the whole child and recognize the importance of nonacademic factors in a student’s success in learning, adjustment and growth. We place a priority on identifying strengths within students and families and work to eliminate any barriers that interfere with school success. METCO Social Workers are the link between home, school and community. We work to bring together resources within the school, student, family and community to enhance the student’s ability to benefit fully from his or her school experience.

Along with teachers, administrators and other education specialists, METCO Social Workers promote and support students’ academic success. METCO Social Workers have a high level of expertise in family dynamics, child development, systems theory and clinical knowledge.

METCO Social Workers help students:

• Form a healthy racial identity in a predominantly white school environment

• Adjust to the demands of school by providing SEL services from a culturally responsive lens

• Equip students of color to understand themselves as learners and contributors to their communities

• Experience joy in learning

• Develop healthy relationships with peers through affinity groups as well as cross cultural relationships with others

• Develop decision making skills

METCO Social Workers help parents:

• Navigate and participate in their child’s education by overcoming any barriers that are created due to distance and cross cultural nuances.

• Access the appropriate resources and programs available to their child within the Lexington Public Schools.

• Advocate for their child's academic, social, and emotional success as they matriculate through the Lexington METCO Program

• Find and use community resources as needed

School Social Workers help schools:

• Understand factors (i.e., cultural, economic, societal, medical) that can affect a students’ ability to succeed

• Promote a safe and culturally responsive school environment

• Provide Professional Development regarding culture and race

• Use school resources in meeting the social, emotional and educational needs of students

Relationship to School Psychologists and School Counselors:

School Social Workers work along with psychologists and counselors to form a Mental Health Team.