Child Study Team Services

The Child Study Team consists of three basic members: a Learning Disabilities Teacher-Consultant, a Psychologist 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.

Learning Disabilities Teacher-Consultant

A Learning Disabilities Teacher-Consultant (LDT-C) must have a minimum of three years teaching experience and a Master’s Degree in order to obtain this certification. An LDT-C functions in the school environment 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. Educational assessments conducted by an LDT-C include formal standardized testing, observation and interview of the student, review of the student’s educational history, interview with the student’s teacher(s), and functional assessments. Consultation and collaboration are vital to the LDT-C who serves as a liaison between the Child Study Team and staff, students, and parents. The LDT-C also serves as an important member of the Intervention and Referral Services Committee, which meets on a regular basis to provide educational interventions and supports for at-risk general education students. As case managers, the LDT-C is responsible for monitoring student progress, maintaining communication with the parents and staff, and meeting annually to review and update each student’s Individual Educational Program.

School Psychologist

The School Psychologist functions as a member of an interdisciplinary child study team, conducts psychological assessments, and provides consultative, counseling, and case management services for students in accordance with federal, state, and local mandates. Most School Psychologists are ongoing members of the school buildings' I&RS teams. Extensive knowledge of academic and behavioral interventions are applied as needed. They continually consult with school personnel, families, and outside agencies. This discipline requires strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills. School Psychologists provide services to general education students and faculty/staff, when applicable, in addition to their service of the special education population.

Some of the responsibilities of School Psychologists include:

• 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

School Social Worker

School Social Workers play a critical role in schools and educational settings helping students to enhance their emotional well-being and improve their academic performance. School Social Workers are often called on to help students, families and teachers address problems such as truancy, social withdrawal, overaggressive behaviors, rebelliousness and other issues that may be influenced by physical, emotional or economic problems. School Social Workers often also address substance abuse and sexuality issues in the secondary grade levels.

School Social Workers have a wide range of job functions such as:

• Conducting social history assessments
• Developing and implementing Individualized Educational Plans
• Supporting student self-determination
• Providing crisis management services, including assessing for safety
• Advocating for student services and students’ best interests
• Providing case management services including, but not limited to, referrals to community resources and collaboration with other professionals
• Providing training and workshops to teachers, school staff and parents
• Conducting home visits
• Contributing to a multidisciplinary treatment team
• Providing counseling and support to students, family members and school staff
• Acting as liaison to outside community agencies
• Facilitating students with post secondary transition planning