The Social, Emotional, Behavior team assists building level teams and IEP teams with the IEP programming and behavior planning for students with significant emotional and behavioral difficulties in the schools. As will all disability categories, programming options for students with a significant emotional disability are spread across a continuum of services. At the elementary level, students with relatively mild to moderate needs in this disability area receive services from the special education team at their neighborhood school. The school’s mental health team member(s) may provide consultation and/or direct services in conjunction with special education teachers as indicated on the student’s IEP. Elementary students with more intensive needs may be referred to and, if necessary, placed in one of Cherry Creek School District’s ten center-school emotional development (ED) programs. These programs are located in elementary schools where there is a teacher on staff certified to teach students with such needs derived from their disabilities. This referral and placement occurs through the IEP process of IDEA.

Elementary referrals to center school programs are facilitated by at least one member of the SEB team. The SEB team will assist building level special education teams and parents with the program referral process at the elementary level. The length of placement in center programs is determined by each student’s individual needs and progress. If placed in a center program, the student’s neighborhood school remains in close contact with and involved in the IEP process with the center school throughout the student’s placement in that program.

Programming options for students with emotional disabilities at the secondary level generally occurs primarily in the student’s neighborhood middle school or high school. Every secondary school has a certified teacher on staff that is qualified to work with students with emotional disabilities. Services at the secondary level range from consultation with general education staff members to direct instructional support provided in a separate classroom. Mental health team members at this level provide a range of support services for students with an emotional disability including direct instruction and behavior planning.

The Colorado Department of Education has guidelines to which staffing teams adhere during the disability identification process. If you have questions regarding SIED criteria or services that are provided in Cherry Creek School District, please contact the mental health team professional at your neighborhood school. Additional information may be available by contacting the respective Director of Elementary or Secondary Special Education.