Resources - Young Early Childhood Center

Whitney Young offers specialized support to help students and families thrive. With dedicated professionals, including case managers and therapists, students receive guidance for academic and emotional challenges. Additional resources are available for families navigating language barriers, ensuring that all students have the support they need to succeed.

Case Manager

Our case manager serves as a bridge between school and home, ensuring effective communication regarding educational programs, services and student issues.

Role of the Case Manager:
- Assist in resolving student challenges related to attendance, academics, behavior, emotional growth and health.
- Collaborate with parents and school staff to address student needs.
- Connect families with appropriate school and community resources for support.
- Develop and implement strategies to engage the community in school activities.
- Oversee volunteers and programs such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, Leadership through the Center for Non-violence, Blessings in a Backpack and Study Connections.
Benefits & Importance:
- Provides comprehensive support for students, addressing academic, emotional and behavioral challenges.
- Enhances student well-being through resource coordination with families and the community.
- Fosters a positive school environment by involving the community in educational activities.
- Strengthens support systems through the management of volunteer and mentorship programs.

Licensed Therapist

A Licensed Therapist is key to supporting students' well-being in schools, bringing expertise in social work or mental health counseling. To maintain their qualifications, they renew their licenses through the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency by completing ongoing professional development including workshops, conferences and online training. This ensures they stay equipped to provide the best support for students' emotional and mental health needs.

Role of the Licensed Therapist:
- Works with students individually or in groups on life skills like emotional regulation and conflict resolution.
- Delivers classroom presentations on emotional and mental health topics.
- Collaborates with teachers and parents to develop support plans.
- Addresses issues like anxiety, depression, grief, self-harm and relationship problems.
Benefits & Importance:
- Promotes emotional and social growth by helping students practice life skills.
- Parental involvement enhances progress and treatment goals.
- Builds self-advocacy, empathy and contributes to a positive school culture.
- Equips students with skills that benefit them during and after school.

Student Advocate

Our student advocate is focused on supporting students and ensuring a safe and engaging school environment. Their primary goal is to form positive relationships with students, which leads to increased engagement, better academic outcomes and improved student well-being. They will also assist with security initiatives to maintain a safe school setting.

Role of Support:
- Monitor and support enhanced security initiatives, including weapons detection systems.
- Walk through the building to ensure security and safety.
- Foster positive relationships with students to encourage engagement and well-being.
- Provide a supportive presence for students during school hours.
Benefits and Importance:
- Improves student engagement, leading to higher academic achievement.
- Reduces attendance issues and promotes better attendance.
- Decreases discipline problems by building strong relationships.
- Supports overall school safety, helping to create a more secure environment.

Intervention

Our goal is to close the reading gap and help students progress toward grade-level reading. Students also receive instruction in small groups from their classroom teacher to continue the differentiated learning.

Roles of Support:
- Provide additional support in reading for students who need it.
- Focus primarily on students in grades K-3.
- Pull students for 20-30 minutes a day for targeted reading instruction.
- Deliver differentiated lessons based on individual reading levels.
- Work alongside classroom teachers to support continued small group learning.
Benefits & Importance:
- Helps close the gap in reading skills.
- Moves students towards grade-level proficiency in reading.
- Provides targeted instruction that addresses specific learning needs.
- Supports overall academic success by strengthening foundational reading skills.

School Supply Lists

The back-to-school supply list includes essential items to help students succeed in the classroom. Be sure to check with your school for any specific items required for the grade level.

Find your school & grade