Brandon Valley School Psychology Services

The Brandon Valley School District employs two full-time school psychologists providing school mental health services to students from early childhood through age 21.

Kyle Babb, Ed.S.                                                Matthew Reese, Ed.S.

kyle.babb@k12.sd.us                                         matt.reese@k12.sd.us   

Link to Brandon Valley Special Services Webpage

School mental health services focus on the child within the school setting and on collaboration with families

School-based mental health services range from prevention and skills development to intervention and evaluation, referral and collaboration, and consultation and counseling. School psychologists are trained to link mental health to learning and behavior in terms of prevention, intervention and outcomes evaluation. They team with parents, other school-based mental health professionals, and community-service providers to help create a continuum of services that meet the needs of the individual child. 

School psychologists provide a continuum of mental health services such as:

·         Consultation to school staff and/or parents regarding the social/emotional/behavioral needs of children/youth.

·         Consultation with school staff regarding classroom and/or school-wide approaches to behavior and to develop positive behavior supports and interventions.

·         Screening, evaluation, identification and referral for children exhibiting learning difficulties, behavior/emotional disturbances and/or social skill deficits.

·         Planning and implementing appropriate academic and other educational supports.

·         Conducting functional behavior assessments and assisting in creating behavior management plans.

·         Measuring progress and improvement both for individuals and also for programs.

·         Participation in Autism Spectrum Disorder evaluation team.

·         Small group and/or individual counseling for such issues as social skills, anger control, etc.

·         Staff development on topics such as positive behavior supports and intervention, response to intervention programs, crisis planning and intervention, etc.

·         Resources and information to school staff and/or parents regarding characteristics, intervention, and treatment of disorders.

·         Coordination and referral of children/families to community service agencies, related to mental health needs.

 School psychologists help link student needs and school services with community services to provide a continuum of mental health care.

The current mental health system is inadequate to meet the growing need among children and youth. We need a continuum of services for children, within which schools play an integral part. Collaboration with community services providers and families critical, particularly when supporting students with needs at the intensive end of the continuum.  

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

Note: School psychologists are part of a team of school-employed mental health professionals who provide these services (i.e., school counselors, social workers, and nurses).

 

For more information on school-based mental health services and the role of school psychologists in providing these services, visit www.nasponline.org.

 ©2006, National Association of School Psychologists, 4340 East West Hwy. #402; Bethesda, MD 20814, www.nasponline.org, phone (301) 657-0270, fax (301) 657-0275, TTY (301) 657-4155