Student Services> How to Access Services

TEAM MEMBERS 

• Director of Student Services
• Special Education Consultants
• Student Services Consultant
• School Psychology Consultant

ROLE OF TEAM MEMBERS

• The Director of Student Services is to carry the legislated requirements of the School Act and Regulations and Department and Board policy and procedures in respect to Special Education, Curriculum and related program and services. In addition, the Director is responsible for providing leadership, direction, supervision and support to the Board Student Services Team, helps determine system and school priorities and provides psychometric services as necessary.

• Special Education Consultants assist the team in problem solving around specific cases and providing knowledge and experience of students with special needs. The consultants are also responsible for providing academic assessments to assist with program planning and may take on cases where the student's issues are seemingly specific to a learning problem.

• The Student Services Consultant is responsible for referrals to the Alternative Education programs.   This includes the selection and placement of students who are appropriate for these programs. As well, this consultant provides support and problem solving regarding students who are at risk. 

• The School Psychology Consultant is to provide school psychology services to students in the Western School Board. As a team member, the School Psychology Consultant brings knowledge and experience in identifying, assessing and developing interventions for students with social, emotional, behavioural and/or learning difficulties. Another key role of this consultant is to liaise with out agencies to access services for students.  

THE REFERRAL PROCESS

A. School Level

When all pre-referral activities are determined insufficient and the school requires additional support and services (i.e.. assessment, specialized programming or alternative placement) a referral may be to to the Team.   A Referral Form  which documents student information and pre-referral interventions is completed and sent to the Board Office to the attention of Doris Barrett. All referrals must be signed by the principal.   A signed Parental Consent Form must be attached to the referral.  An Authorization to Obtain Confidential Information Form  will be obtained by the Consultant assigned to work with the student and parents as needed.  Additional information required to process a referral includes: 

a) For Assessment & Intervention:

• Any relevant school-based assessments(i.e.. Teacher Observations, Education Evaluations etc.)
• Any assessment reports from outside agencies. (ie.IWK, Speech Language)
• Information on services or supports provided at the school level (i.e.. Resource Room, IEP, Behavioural Plan etc.)
• School Counsellor's written summary if applicable
• School Attendance records if applicable

b) For Alternative Placement:

• Any relevant testing or assessment completed at the school/board level or by outside agency
• School Counsellor's written summary if applicable
• School Attendance records

B. Board Level

• Bi-weekly Team Meetings involving case discussion, problem solving and assignment of new referrals
• Prioritization of Referrals according to learning difficulties, social/emotional/behavioural difficulties.