Social and Emotional Well Being

The E. John Gavras Center recognizes that the separation has brought on a new level of anxiety to the students and staff.  In order to meet the social and emotional needs of both our students and staff, the Agency will ensure that intentional and meaningful strategies are part of every program to make social and emotional learning a key aspect.  The staff will continue to use supportive protocols in order to create a safe, welcoming, relaxed and engaging environment in which learning can occur for all students.  Professional development will include ways to respond to challenging behavior displayed by our students using a thoughtful, trauma informed approach.

School Counseling Service

The E. John Gavras Center will review its current level of service and make any necessary adjustments to meet the level of need presented by the students.  Counseling is provided by licensed clinicians for students as outlined within the student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP).  If it is determined that further counseling services are needed based on the students and families, then County Mental Health services will be informed of the need.  The Agency will also work with the student’s home school district to modify the IEP to reflect the level of counseling needed.

Students will be monitored throughout the program to ensure that each child’s social and emotional level is being supported.  Any noted concerns will be addressed with a team approach to make a determination of the level of support.  Communication with the family begins immediately so that the school and family can work collaboratively to provide the necessary support to the child.

Collaborative Groups

Classroom Team

Each classroom teacher, and therapeutic staff meet weekly to review each student’s program for any concerns or any needs not being addressed.  Meeting minutes are generated and shared with administration.  Decisions are made in regards to modification of program, in order to better meet the student’s needs, based on the discussions during the classroom team meetings.  

Program Review

If concerns still exist after modification, then a program review will be arranged.  This meeting will include administration, classroom team, parents/guardians, and the home district’s chairperson to determine if appropriate resources and interventions are in place to address the problem areas.

Resources and Referrals

The E. John Gavras Center’s Social Worker and Therapy Department provides resources to families, which may include but are not limited to: social stories regarding face masks, social distancing, and COVID-19; visual schedules.

When additional support regarding student and family’s social-emotional well-being are needed, the Social Worker provides referrals to Cayuga County Mental Health’s Families Access to Services Team (FAST) program.  Additionally, the Social Worker will communicate with the student’s case manager to support the process within the school program and share any new concerns that are observed within the program.

Professional Development

The E. John Gavras Center has been developing protocols which utilize a trauma-informed approach to improve the student’s well-being by avoiding escalation of challenging behaviors and creating trusting relationships with support staff.  This approach strengthens the student’s self-identity and encourages staff to be more positive and inviting.  This puts less demand on the student and provides choices to the student, thus reducing the challenging behavior and allowing the student to feel more a part of the decision-making process.

These protocols also provide a decrease to the daily stress and an increase in overall staff wellness.  Staff work collaboratively to ensure that everyone uses the same language around the children as well as respond similarly to any behaviors.

Student Behavior Intervention Plans and intervention strategies will be reviewed with staff to ensure the behavioral needs of the student are being met, along with the appropriate coping strategies.

Staff will continue to receive trauma-informed training regarding physical, mental, and emotional health.  The trainings will include strategies to improve well-being both at home and at work which may include mindfulness movements/yoga, strategies to improve healthier habits, and resources to access outside services, such as mental health therapy.

The E. John Gavras Center recognizes that these unprecedented times have brought about new concerns not only for the students but for the staff, as well.  The E. John Gavras Center participates in an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) which all staff can access.  Staff, who experience social and/or emotional concerns over their own well-being, are encouraged to participate in the agency’s EAP, or seek help from an outside provider.  The agency’s EAP can be accessed by calling 1-800-327-2255