1. Mental Health Update The Referral Process Behavioral Strategies MHP Job Duties

2. Mental Health Professional Job Duties Overview Insure each child is provided with a mentally healthy environment. Provide Play Therapy to children with diagnoses. Provide Mental Wellness Therapy to children who do not have a diagnosis. Help create Behavior Intervention Plans. Monitor BIP’s in the classroom.

3. Play Therapy Overview Children work out their thoughts, feelings and concerns in their play. Child Centered Play Therapy is non- directional. Play Therapy moves at the child’s speed. It is a slow process in comparison to “Talk Therapy.” Play Therapy, when Directive, is used to introduce Social Skills to children.

4. Referral Process Highlights (MH) All referrals go to the SSS first. Multiple observations will be done by Support Staff team members. If the child is referred to the MHP, the SSIS will be given and filled out by the teacher and parent. If the child scores in the clinically significant range on both the Parent and Teacher version, the child qualifies for a full evaluation.

5. Referral Process Highlights (MH) If the child qualifies for a diagnosis, an IEP will be conducted. If the child does not qualify for a diagnosis, the child will receive a Behavior Intervention Plan (if appropriate) The BIP will be reviewed on a regular basis.

6. When to make a referral Questions to Answer Is this child behaving in a way that is appropriate to his/her developmental level? Is this child’s behavior a reflection of his/her culture? Is this behavior acceptable for their culture?

7. Questions to Answer Cont. Is the child’s behavior due to a possible physical, cognitive, or speech delay? Are the child’s behaviors occurring more frequently during a specific time of day? Is the classroom environment creating these behavior struggles? Could my behavior be triggering this behavior?

8. Are these behaviors occurring despite having tried all other behavior management techniques? Are my expectations clear? Am I consistent with classroom management?

9. What’s Normal Exploring their social relationships Difficulty sharing, taking turns, and excluding others from activities Strategy These skills must be taught to them. Practice them in circle, and give praise when the child is doing it correctly.

10. What’s Normal Cont. Learning about their emotions Strategies Teach them about their feelings and how to express them. Create an area where it is okay to cry or feel sad. Read books about feelings and social skills.

11. What’s Normal Cont. Short attention spans 6-10 minutes is average for 5yr olds. Fidgeting, restless behavior is normal after 10 minutes of sitting. Strategies Keep circle time short. Break up long activities of sitting. Allow them to get up and move.

12. What’s Normal Cont. Struggling to follow rules At this age they have difficulty understanding right /wrong, obeying parents, and teachers Strategies Review class rules daily Review your expectations prior to each activity

13. What’s Normal Cont. Strategies Set limits Give clear and specific instructions Be specific with praise Remember at this age repetition is the key to their learning academically and socially

14. Inappropriate Behaviors Severe aggression, and defiance Kicking, biting, spitting, destruction of property Physically harming self and/or others Emotional difficulties Excessive fears, depression, mood swings

15. Inappropriate Behaviors Inappropriate sexualized behavior Knowledge Play Behaviors Other notable behaviors: Ongoing tantrums/crying

16. Not Sure When To Refer When in doubt Ask the Education Specialist and Special Service Specialist to observe the child The earlier you refer severe behavior problems the better

17. Should I refer? Layla is a 4 year old girl. During Circle Time, she is able to sit still and listen to her teacher for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, she often starts playing with the hair of the girl sitting next to her. Sometimes she will stand up when she’s supposed to be sitting and needs to be redirected. After being redirected, she will sit for another 5 or 6 minutes before getting distracted.

18. Should I refer? Since the start of the school year, Joseph only behaves when he plays on the computer. If he is not on the computer he hits the children, throws toys, falls on the floor screaming. The teachers have tried using the computer as a reward. Joseph has kicked and spit on the teacher.