Expand the reach and impact of social, emotional and behavioral supports

Meeting students' social, emotional, and behavioral needs is crucial, and many districts have responded by adding counselors, social workers, or paraprofessionals. However, the demand often surpasses available resources. The key is to enhance the effectiveness of existing staff, expand staffing through resource reallocation, and collaborate with external partners for affordable services.

Some districts have effectively doubled student services provided by existing staff by simplifying meetings and paperwork. Yet, even with such optimizations, many districts still find themselves understaffed. Fortunately, improvements can be made within existing budgets by reallocating resources, favoring fewer lower-skilled paraprofessionals and investing in staff with highly specialized skills, such as certified behaviorists.

Moreover, some districts broaden their social and emotional services by partnering with local nonprofit counseling agencies, teaching hospitals, graduate psychology programs, or insurance-funded mental health counselors. This collaborative approach allows districts to extend their reach, providing additional support to students without exceeding budgetary constraints. By adopting these strategies, districts can enhance and expand social, emotional, and behavioral supports, ensuring a more comprehensive and effective approach to students' well-being.