Pre-Intensive Social/Emotional Services

According to federal Special Education law, all students with IEPs who have social, emotional or behavioral challenges which impact the learning of self or others must have those needs addressed as part of the IEP.  This may be in the form of services, supports, and/or annual goals to measure the student's progress in the areas that impact performance and participation in school.  Pre-Intensive Social/Emotional Services are provided to students as a short term intervention to assist them in developing strategies and skills to be able to cope with their social or emotional needs.  Pre-Intensive Interventions can include:
    - Behavioral Interventions
    - Time limited group or individual counseling
    - Whole class presentations on social skills, problem solving strategies, or other topics
    - Consultation to general or Special Education teachers
    - Short term parent counseling and training specific to their child's disability or needs

The success of these interventions is measured against educational outcomes.  Examples of outcomes might include:  Improved time on task, utilization of strategies to regulate emotional state, better attendance, reduce number of behavioral outbursts or aggressive acts, etc.  If students are not showing progress in their educational goals, the IEP team may consider a referral for Intensive Social/Emotional Services.

The difference between ISES and Pre-Intensive services is intensity.  Consideration of need for ISES is based on a thorough social/emotional assessment which includes input from a clinical therapist and a diagnosis from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM).  If, based on the results of the assessment, the IEP team agrees that ISES are necessary; the student will be assigned an Intensive School-Based Therapist, with whom a longer term relationship will be established.  In addition to individual and group counseling, the School-Based Therapist will be able to provide the Social Work component to liaison with the school team and family to coordinate interventions and supports to assist the student in being successful.

See related page on ISES services.