Child Study Team Services

Role of the Child Study Team

The Child Study Team consists of three basic members:

• a Psychologist,
• Learning Disabilities Teacher-Consultant (LDT-C) and,
• a Social Worker.

The team works together to make decisions, conduct evaluations, determine programming needs and provide consultations. Each of these disciplines also provides some services that are discrete to their area of expertise.

Members of the Child Study Team

School Psychologist - conducts psychological assessments, and provides consultative, counseling, and case management services for students in accordance with federal, state, and local mandates. Extensive knowledge of academic and behavioral interventions are applied as needed. They continually consult with school personnel, families, and outside agencies. Some responsibilities:

• cognitive and behavioral assessments of students to help in the determination of eligibility for special education and related services
• case management and Individualized Education Program (IEP) development
• counseling support for IEP-mandated special education students
• crisis intervention
• Intervention and Referral Services (I&RS) consultation

Learning Disabilities Teacher-Consultant - functions as an educational specialist, instructional consultant, and Child Study Team member. The LDT-C must have the professional preparation and certification to conduct assessments, analyze test data, and determine student eligibility for special education and related services. As part of the Child Study Team, the LDT-C is required to understand special education law, plan and facilitate the development of programs for children with learning differences, recommend successful instructional techniques, assist in the implementation of best instructional practices, and provide professional development for staff and parents.

• case management and Individualized Education Program (IEP) development
• monitor student progress
• Intervention and Referral Services (I&RS) consultation

School Social Worker - plays a critical role in schools and educational settings helping students to enhance their emotional well-being and improve their academic performance. School Social Workers have a wide range of job functions such as:

• Conducting social history assessments
• Developing and implementing Individualized Educational Plans
• Providing crisis management services, including assessing for safety
• Advocating for student services and students’ best interests
• Providing case management services and counseling
• Providing training and workshops to teachers, school staff and parents
• Facilitating students with post secondary transition planning