Elementary Child and Family Support Teams Caldwell County Schools Elementary Child and Family Support Teams Davenport A+ Horizons Elementary Sawmills Elementary Valmead Elementary

About Elementary CFST Its goal is to eliminate barriers and reduce risk factors that may keep children from being successful The ECFST focuses on mental health and works to collaborate with families and local agencies to address the needs of elementary aged children The ECFS Teams were created as a result of a federal grant in 2010.

What We Do Identify and assess unmet social, mental health, emotional and developmental factors that affect academic performance and functioning Help families develop teams of support from family and community members who are committed to the child’s success Facilitate Child & Family Support Team Meetings Provide student and family support services at school and at home Facilitate “Why Try” Groups in each school

The “Why Try” Program “Why Try” is a program designed to help students who are at-risk for failure and lack motivation. This program is evidence based It relies on: visual analogies kinetic activities journaling music This program can be used in groups and in individual counseling.

Potential Warning Signs THINKING FEELINGS  BEHAVIOR  Persistent nightmares Feelings of sadness or hopelessness Decrease in school performance Unusual thoughts or beliefs Angry feelings Loss of effort in things he/she usually enjoys Thoughts that race too fast Anxious or worried feelings Unexplained changes in sleeping habits Poor concentration Extreme fear Unexplained changes in eating habits Inability to focus attention Sense of worthlessness Frequent crying and overreaction to small things Hearing voices that cannot be explained Sense of guilt Avoidance of family and/or friends Suicidal thoughts Sense of agitation and/or uneasiness Hyperactivity or fidgeting Thinking that life is too hard or has no meaning Loss of interest in things he or she usually enjoys Frequent breaking of rules or getting into trouble with the law   Lack or remorse or guilt when others are hurt Use of alcohol or other drugs Threats of self harm or violence Dangerous or life threatening actions From: www.studentfirstproject.org

The Referral Process It is appropriate to refer a child when you see potential warning signs for behavioral/mental health issues Consult with a ECFST member at your school if you have any concerns Referrals can be made by anyone concerned about a child (parent, teacher, school administrator, etc...) Students and families can refer themselves Upon referral, the Child & Family Team will discuss concerns with the family and an assessment will be completed to determine what services will be needed to promote success

Mental Health Concerns Common Referrals Academic Concerns Chronic Attendance Issues Sudden negative change in academic performance Early intervention for those at risk for retention Classroom Observations for Behavioral Concerns Assist in creation of Behavior Intervention Plans Participation in Response to Instruction (RtI) Team Participation in transitions to/from alternative school placements Mental Health Concerns ADHD Anxiety Depression, Bipolar Assistance with counseling/psychiatrist referrals for BOTH students and parents Psychiatric Emergencies Social Concerns CPS referrals for abuse/neglect Homelessness Economic Assistance Grandparents raising Grandchildren Referrals for parenting support Assistance with accessing faith based Community support

Others involved in E-CFS Teams Students & Families Family Support Systems (Relatives, friends, faith community, etc.) School Administration, teachers or other staff Mental Health Agencies Caldwell County Department of Social Services (DSS) Caldwell County Public Health Department of Juvenile Justice Local physicians or other medical professionals

Who are the ECFST Members at Your School? Davenport & Valmead Horizons & Sawmills Dan Beatty, School Social Worker Meagan Ashby, School Counselor

“Children are likely to live up to what you believe of them” -Lady Bird Johnson