Student Supports

School Psychologist

School psychologists work to ensure appropriate education for all students. At DDES, this role supports by running evaluations, monitoring, building, and ensuring fidelity of individual student plans. Some of our school psychologist’s work includes: 

  • Connecting the dots between medical/behavioral evaluation outside of the school and how our DDES team can best support those students.
  • Running individual counseling sessions and group social skills sessions.
  • Conducting Functional Behavioral Assessments to investigate the “why” behind student behaviors.
  • Consulting with families following higher needs student assessment. 

School Social Worker

The school social worker provides a wide range of support with the goal of increasing feelings of safety, belonging, regulation, and inclusivity at DDES. DDES’ school social worker co-coordinates 504 plans and behavior plans to meet students’ social, academic, emotional, and behavioral needs. Other supports include:

  • Working with families who seek support connecting to community resources that provide assistance with food, housing, job opportunities, basic-need supplies, or mental health referrals.
  • Conducting individual and group sessions to facilitate student growth; connection and skill-building in areas like anger management, positive coping, peer relationships, self-esteem, executive functioning; and LGBTQ+ support.
  • Supporting the school-wide community (parents, teachers, and students) with consultation regarding social-emotional learning, developmentally appropriate interventions, crisis management, and trauma-informed practices. 

School-Based Therapist

DDES partners with Jewish Family Services (JFS) to provide a full-time school-based therapist. This role provides services based on the needs of the students, families, and school communities. These services are provided at no cost to the student or family, with a goal to increase access to quality mental health care. They include but are not limited to:

  • Individual, group, and family therapy
  • Case consultation
  • Case management
  • Assessment and referral
  • Training and education
A close-up of a child's hand holding a yellow pencil, writing on a piece of paper with various scribbles and shapes.

A small part of our program involves a psychiatrist who assists with assessment, consultation, and medication administration. Families who are involved with KidSuccess have access to JFS’ community resources for stability and other community-based programs. Referrals for students needing individual treatment originate from teachers, school therapists, administrative staff, and parents/guardians. 

This role also support parents by providing information about specific issues their child may be experiencing. Topics frequently include discipline, anger management, conflict resolution, family communication skills, setting limits and problem solving as an ongoing or as needed basis, both individually and in workshops.

Therapy & Student Support Dog

Auggie is the DDES support animal. Auggie has been with the school since 2022 and he joins us for 2-3 days a week. He spends his days visiting classrooms, greeting students and working in small groups. He helps students and teachers feel happy, calm, and confident when they might be worried, sad, or scared. 

Auggie’s office is with Crissy in 227. Adults can schedule appointments and meetings on behalf of students.

Auggie, the DDES support dog, sitting indoors wearing a colorful bandana, with plants and a chair in the background.

How to work with Auggie

When Auggie comes to school, he wears a vest to show he’s at work. Working with Auggie is different from working with dogs that are pets at home. Here are ways everyone can enjoy working with him at DDES: 

It’s OK to …

  • Greet Auggie by saying “Hi, Auggie!” or waving hello.
  • Put your flat hand by your side for him to touch with his nose or give a little lick.
  • If he greets you, give him a gentle pet on his head, back, or chest. 
  • Ask Crissy or your teacher if you can pet Auggie. 

It’s not OK to …

  • Leave what you are supposed to be doing to come say hi, like walking in line or working. 
  • Yell or make loud noises around Auggie, even to say hi. Loud noises make him uncomfortable and make learning hard for others. 
  • Touch or pet him from behind. He likes to see who’s touching him. 
  • Rush up to him or make a big group around him. He likes to see and greet people in small groups or one at a time. 
  • Keep petting Auggie if he steps back or away. This means he is all done and ready for a break.