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

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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:

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

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

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