Counseling again offered for District 95 students

As Carbondale children to return to school in a remote learning environment, District 95 is sharing resources to support them in being emotionally and socially ready for school - especially in a COVID-19 environment.

Latasha Schraeder, District 95's assistant superintendent for pupil services, is highlighting the "Building Compassionate Communities" program, which offers counseling services for students and will be offered in a virtual format. 

Building Compassionate Communities has been available, but has been expanded to include full-time counselors at each building to serve children as young as 3 and up to age 14, she said. It is offered by licensed counselors from Centerstone.

During these times filled with anxiety and stress, students  might need someone to talk to, too, she said.

"The benefits are numerous for someone participating in the BCC program," Schraeder said. "They offer support in emotion regulation, anxiety, forming friendships and anger management. Sometimes our students just need someone to open up to. They may not necessarily feel comfortable opening up to their teacher. But, a counselor, who they can build a relationship with over several weeks, they may open up to them."

The program is one that not only helps the child emotionally and socially, but academically. Children will be better prepared to learn, Schraeder said.

"One of the benefits of the BCC program is to increase the child's academic success by preparing the child for the learning environment," she said.

The partnership will also use family resource developers who are lay people who have experienced any number of situations similar to those experienced by families requesting counseling. For example, these experiences can include incarceration of a loved one and homelessness.

Schraeder explains the value of the family resource developers.

"It's one thing to empathize with someone," Schraeder said. "But to have someone who has actually lived that experience partnering with that family, that gives the parent someone they can truly form a relationship with, to vent to, have a relationship with, and feel truly heard."

Centerstone's BCC, entering its third year in the district, is just one of several programs offered by the district to provide for the emotional well-being of students.

Centerstone accepts Medicaid, insurance and private pay.

For more information, parents can contact their child's school. Learn more about the district's Pupil Services on the website at sites.google.com/ces95.org/ pupil-services/home.