SKACD believes that Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is a fundamental part of a holistic education.

We also believe that students who do not have appropriate social and emotional skills are at an elevated risk for displaying maladaptive and problem behavior. When students aren’t able to regulate their emotions and behavior, learning becomes more difficult.

The Emotional Support Team (EST) at SKACD provides a school-based team of mental health professionals to assist students (and teachers) in methods to better manage emotions. We provide direct mental health services to students with exceptionalities and we provide on-site training for their teachers and parents.  

The EST also provides evaluation and intervention supports for students with Autism. Autism screenings are available through this team. Evaluating students for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is a particularly unique skill set, due to the broad spectrum of skills and needs of students with Autism. Since ASD evaluations are complex, SKACD has tasked our Emotional Support Team to conduct Autism evaluations to support students, families, and school districts. Once identified, this team also helps design appropriate classroom interventions.

The Emotional Support Team maintains their own library with tools and resources to support students.

For more information about the services offered by the Emotional Support Team, contact the team leader:

• Mrs. Kimmi McClaren, LMSW, Mental Health Services Coordinator