Outreach and Consultation for Schools, Synagogues and Community Centers

Jewish Child & Family Services’ Outreach and Consultation services, a program of the Glick Center for Early Childhood Services, enhance the programs of Chicago community organizations by providing extensive on-site clinical consultation, education and support to organization directors at Jewish pre-schools, day schools, Hebrew schools, summer day camps and Jewish Community Centers.

As a primary prevention service, clinical consultation from expert JCFS mental health clinicians emphasizes early identification for at-risk children and adolescents in need of additional services. Identified risks include but are not limited to physical, cognitive, developmental, emotional and behavioral problems and disabilities. Through this partnership, program directors and clinicians provide an optimal environment for child and adolescent growth.

Tammie Roth, Director of the Paul and Sylvia Steinberg Preschool at NSS Beth El, who helped co-create this model with JCFS, concurs that a collaborative relationship is vital to promote a child’s development. “Having a JCFS clinician present in the preschool is absolutely critical,” she states. “It naturalizes the process of seeking help early when problems are small. There is no comparison between programs with clinical support and those without.”

We Provide

Classroom Observation

If it remains unclear to the teacher whether a child is in need of additional services, JCFS clinicians help address parent and teacher concerns by observing the child in the classroom setting and providing their recommendations.

Preparation for/Facilitating Parent Conferences

Although the preschool is often the first place a problem behavior or a developmental delay is identified, it can be challenging to discuss with parents the need for additional services. JCFS clinicians can help teachers and director prepare for this important conference.

Brief Screening

In more complex situations, the JCFS clinician works collaboratively with the parents and the school to provide an initial screening of the child. This facilitates referral to appropriate resources.

Referral and Linkage to Community Resources

The JCFS clinician’s extensive knowledge about community resources expedites the family’s linkage to outside organizations and support groups.

Parent Educational Programs

To help parents understand arising challenges, the JCFS consultant offers time-limited programs for parents on innovative topics.

In Service Training for Teachers

With topic ranging from child development to team building, training workshops can positively impact the teaching environment.

Crisis Intervention

JCFS clinicians help guide parents, teachers and children in crisis toward a tailored solution.

Program Consultation to the Director

The JCFS consultant offers a place for directors receive professional support and share their concerns and issues.