Download Project Prepare - Tri-County Interlocal 607

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