Student Support Services

2. Services provided by student support services

Psychologists

• Support schools to recommend adjustments
• Provide learning and teaching advice to schools
• Offer support on what is needed for the Program for Students with Disabilities (PSD) and Disability Inclusion Profile
• Provide support during/following critical incidents in schools where appropriate

Speech pathologists

• Support schools to recommend adjustments
• Provide advice and support to schools relating to communication (comprehension, expressive language, written language, speech sounds/articulation, social communication/social skills) and development of literacy skills
• Offer support for principals, school staff and parents on what is needed for the PSD and Disability Inclusion Profile and how to carry out the Language and Learning Disability Support Program

Social workers

• Support schools to recommend adjustments
• Offer support to students, families and schools through involvement in individual, group and family work
• Provide support during/following critical incidents in schools where appropriate

Occupational therapists

• Support schools to recommend adjustments
• Support school staff to build on existing skills and knowledge, including coaching and modelling, in order to enhance their confidence in supporting children’s social and emotional self-regulation, physical development and sensory processing

Behaviour analysts

• Support schools to recommend adjustments
• Coach school staff and develop processes to respond to behaviours of concern
• Carry out direct behavioural assessments such as functional behaviour assessment and provide intervention to individual students

Schools may also have access to other allied health professionals such as mental health practitioners or school nurses. They may be employed by the school, area or region.