Social Emotional Services and Mental Health Supports
In order to meet the needs of all of our students, AIA utilizes a Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) framework. When using MTSS, the goal is to address student behavioral and emotional struggles early, utilizing tier 1 supports and interventions, in order to intervene before they escalate further. If students continue to struggle, they can move through the tiers receiving increased levels of support.
For mental health services, the school partners with CARE Solace. CARE provides case management and helps families, students and staff access comprehensive mental health services, including support with finding counseling and psychiatric services.
For more information, please contact the main office at: 323-266-4371 or the Executive Director, Kalin Balcomb, at [email protected]
Or, please reach out directly to CARE Solace at: https://www.caresolace.org/
Information about mental health services will also be shared throughout the school year, and can be made available through calling or visiting the main office.
Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS)
If a child doesn’t know how to read, we teach.
If a child doesn't know how to swim, we teach.
If a child doesn't know how to multiply, we teach.
If a child doesn't know how to drive, we teach.
If a child doesn't know how to behave, we...teach?...punish?
Why can't we finish the last sentence as automatically as we do the others?
-Tom Herner, President of the National Association of State Directors of Special Education
What is PBIS?
- PBIS is a way for schools to encourage good behavior.
- With PBIS, schools teach kids about behavior, just as they would teach about other subjects like reading or math.
- The focus of PBIS is prevention, not punishment.
School Wide Expectations At AIA
We have 3 School Wide Expectations:
- Be Safe
- Be Respectful
- Be Responsible
Students are taught what these expectations look like in different areas of the school. When students follow the school-wide expectations, they are able to earn points to later redeem at the school store. If students have a difficult time following the school-wide expectations, they conference with a staff member to review the expectations; the staff member will provide re-teaching of the expectations if necessary.
Class Dojo
In order to track student behaviors and points earned, AIA utilize the program/application Class Dojo. Class Dojo is also a communication tool that parents and staff use to communicate with each other. When students are following school-wide expectations, teacher and staff are able to use Class Dojo to electronically award points. The school Dojo store has items that the students can purchase with the points that they earn; students can choose to redeem points each week, or save them to purchase larger items. It is important to note that AIA does not penalize or deduct points from a student's dojo account for negative behavior.