• School Psychologists at Columbus City Schools

     

    School psychologists are uniquely qualified members of school teams that apply expertise in mental health, learning, and behavior, to help children and youth succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally. 

     

    Responsibilities of CCS school psychologists include but are not limited to: 

    • implementing differential referral procedures and complying with Child Find responsibilities in CCS schools as well as all nonpublic schools in Columbus;
    • evaluating students with a variety of needs and disabilities;
    • working collaboratively with school personnel and parents to identify, implement and monitor appropriate interventions;
    • serving as special education evaluation team chairperson, responsible for integrating pertinent information into a collaborative evaluation team report;
    • consulting with parents, educators, and outside agencies regarding issues of skill development, disabilities, behavior management, academic skills, etc.;
    • participating in kindergarten screening activities, conducting early entrance evaluations, and chairing preschool to kindergarten transitions;
    • documenting and billing for Medicaid;
    • presenting to staff, parent groups, and/or colleagues;
    • conducting focused skill groups for students;

    A number of CCS school psychologists complete the above responsibilities as well as have specialty assignments in the following areas: 

    • Hearing Impaired
    • Visually Impaired
    • Orthopedically Impaired
    • TBI/Concussion Management
    • Preschool
    • Autism (ADOS-2 Certified)
    • ABA/BCBA
    • ESL

    CCS school psychologists participate in some or all of the following: 

    • MTSS Teams (including RTI and PBIS)
    • Student Support Teams
    • School Safety Teams
    • CPI Trained/CPI Trainers
    • Mentoring new hires (School Psychology PAR Variance program)
    • Supervision of OSU interns and practicum students

    The school psychology department has worked, in collaboration with leadership and nine CCS departments, to implement an MTSS process that help staff and families understand how to better help students.  

     

  • School Psychologists and Teen Mental Health

    Dr. Danita Thornton, School Psychologist Supervisor, was interviewed on the CCS Podcast.  Dr. Thornton discussed teen mental health and the resources that are available to students.  Click to listen!