Project Prepare Four County Mental Health Tri-County Special Education

“Program within a program”  Following the model of its “host”, SEK Academy, Project Prepare functions as a mental health program with an educational component  Provide short-term diversion and assessment services to at-risk school-aged individuals seeking to enter local school districts  Provide an additional program option for students with severe behavior/discipline issues who already attend school within the member district area  Up to 45 program days of diversion and assessment

3 Primary Goals  Gather information or allow information to catch up with the student  Fill in knowledge gaps  Observe student’s behavior and academic performance in an environment somewhat similar to a public school setting

Special Considerations  Project Prepare is not an educational placement; children must maintain enrollment in a public school within the catchment area of either the mental heath center or the special education cooperative.  If a child is absent for more than 10 days in a row, the 45 day “time clock” will start over and a new referral will be required.

Targeted Population  At least 10 years of age  Enrolled in public school within the catchment areas of Four County Mental Health or Tri-County Special Education Interlocal

Staff  Current SEK staff  1:4 staff to patient ratio  Staff includes director, therapist, case managers, attendant care workers, psychologist, teachers, and paraprofessionals

Curriculum  Mental Health - emphasis on social skills, time on task, problem solving, ability to form relationships, and stress management  Academics – Study Island & direct instruction  Individual and group therapy sessions  Special group sessions may be provided by social service, law enforcement, or drug and alcohol service providers

Program Schedule  Monday-Friday 8:10-3:20  Program schedules corresponds closely to USD #446 school calendar

Referral Prerequisites  Child must be a mental health center patient  Parent or guardian must agree to placement  Child must be at least 10 years old and maintain school enrollment  Parent or guardian must be willing to sign consents allowing the shared information between past and present service providers  The child’s family and school may be asked to participate in solving transportation problems

Referral Process Referring School submits referral paperwork to Sandi Atkin, SEK/Project Prepare Director Sandi Atkin, Megan Robins, & Emily McCambridge review and determine eligibility Student is an appropriate referral, Sandi will notify the school and schedule a meeting with the parent Meeting will be held to finalize paperwork and admit the student Incomplete referral, Sandi will notify the school, then resubmit the referral to Sandi Team will meet again to review the referral and make a final decision; Sandi will notify the school Student is not appropriate for the program, the referral stops and Sandi will notify the school