Safety and crisis planning, management, and response are important elements for school districts to consider. 

Our staff is available to help districts in the development of safety and crisis response policy, plans, and protocols. Training in specific crisis response techniques is also available. In addition, we can assist districts with crisis evaluation, intervention, communication, and follow up as the need arises.  

ELL teachers are staff who are specifically trained and certified to work with students who qualify for ELL services.  In addition to screening home language services and administering ACCESS testing, staff are trained to provide a continuum of services and supports while meeting the legal requirements.  

When considering suspension (of more than 10 total days) and expulsion of students with disabilities following the proper procedure is important in order to avoid potential costly legal ramifications for your district.  

Similarly, the expulsion process, and timelines for students without disabilities should be followed explicitly.  

CESA 8 staff is available to help districts in conducting and/or training staff in the manifestation determination process. In addition, our staff can conduct training in the expulsion process, serve as hearing officers for expulsion proceedings, or assist the district in preparing and presenting its case to school boards.

School nurses work within the schools to support academic success and student achievement through maintaining a healthy school environment.  

CESA 8 will:

• Hire, supervise, and evaluate school nursing personnel school health services within a district, case management of student individual health plans, including Section 504 plans when eligible

• Consult with districts and district nurses regarding questions, concerns, or resources needed for individual students or school health issues

• Assist in policy and procedure development, implementation, and evaluation for school health services

• Provide professional development -  CESA 8 network meetings four times per year

CESA 8 assists districts by contracting long term substitutes for hard to fill areas such as:

• Speech and Language Therapists

• Special Education Teachers

• Special Education Paraprofessionals

• School Psychologists

• Occupational Therapists

• Physical Therapists

• Counselors

• Nurses

• Other substitute needs as presented

Because the request can be broad in nature, CESA 8 has a variety of staff trained to support educational needs.

CESA 8 will assist with the development, review, or revisions of special education and student services related policies and procedures. 

If you are looking for examples of specific policies and/or support in the development, review, or revision of policies and practices, please contact Lisa Misco in order to discuss your district’s specific needs and how we can assist you.

School social workers help children and youth succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally. They collaborate with educators, parents, and other professionals to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments that strengthen connections between home, school, and the community for all students.

CESA 8 hires, supervises, and evaluates school social workers in order to assist districts in filling their specific needs. In addition, CESA 8 offers professional networking to school social workers hired directly by districts. 

Safety and crisis planning, management and response are important elements for school districts to consider.

CESA 8 staff is available to help districts in the development of safety and crisis response policy, plans, and protocols.  Training in specific crisis response techniques is also available.  In addition, CESA 8 staff can assist districts with crisis evaluation, intervention, communication, and follow up as the need arises. 

CESA 8 recognizes the value in the development of the individual as a whole, and the link between mental health and overall success in schools.  Our staff works with children, young adults, staff, and families by providing direct services to individuals in need,  professional development, coaching, consultation, and evaluation to improve an individual’s overall mental wellness. (improved school performance)

This service may include:

• Training in the concepts and importance of trauma sensitive schools

• Staff self-care, compassion resilience professional development, coaching, and ongoing support

• Coaching for staff who are working with students who have experienced traum

• Assistance with referral to outpatient counseling services, communication planning and follow-through

• Customized services based on specific student and district needs.

It is strongly recommended that districts and/or buildings begin by complete foundational training in any/all of the following:  

• Trauma Sensitive Schools

• Youth Mental Health First Aid

• PBIS (tiers 1, 2 and 3)

Section 504 is a part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 that prohibits discrimination based upon disability. Section 504 is an anti-discrimination, civil rights statute that requires the needs of students with disabilities to be met as adequately as the needs of the non-disabled are met. Criteria for Section 504 cover a broader range than the IDEA and, should a student qualify, a plan is often developed in order to accommodate specific student needs. 

CESA 8 can assist districts in the process of evaluation, plan development, monitoring and execution as appropriate.  Because the scope and range of disabilities under Section 504 is broad in nature, districts seeking assistance with evaluation and services under Section 504 are encouraged to contact Lisa Misco in order to determine most appropriate team members for your specific student and district needs. 

For more information on any of these services, contact: