We are all in this together! Check back regularly for updates.
Key educational and counseling resources to support students during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Key educational and counseling resources to support students during the COVID-19 outbreak.
This website was designed in partnership with the California Association of School Counselors and Wisconsin School Counselors Association. This multidisciplinary team of over 50 school administrators and counselors organized to provide a platform where information can be consolidated into a one-stop website to address massive school closures and community wide health, mental health and economic trauma. Information and links to resources were collected to assist educators, school-based mental health service providers, caregivers and PreK-12th grade students.
Following the senseless losses in Buffalo due to hate and racist ideologies, the news of Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas is devastating to all of us. The thought that so many families' lives are shattered is hard to reckon with. I know many of us are trying to verbalize our own feelings, while answering concerns from parents and students. It is not easy, however, I find comfort in knowing there are school counselors in schools trying to make sense of a senseless act, and comforting our students, families and staff; assuring them in a very uncertain world. Schools should be a sanctuary of safety and learning. Yet, we find ourselves responding to these situations time and time again. Enough is enough. While we work through our own emotions, we know that we have a responsibility and a duty, as mental health leaders, to stand in solidarity as the first line of defense. Never underestimate your leadership role in times of crisis and emergency response.
Here is an excerpt from CASC’s Open Letter on Non-Violence:
So what do we do? Children are bombarded by images of violence in the media and must be given the tools, support, and a safe space to process their feelings and questions in line with their developmental stage. If you notice that your child is impacted by these traumatic events, set boundaries and limit social media and news consumption. It is crucial that we listen with unconditional positive regard and without interjection, and that we encourage peaceful, non-judgmental conversations. We may not have all the answers, but these conversations can be teachable moments.
Here are some suggestions for dialogue starters:
• What do you know about the events that occurred?
• How do you feel about what happened? • What questions do you have?
• How do you determine what is fact versus opinion?
As we continue to navigate the unfolding developments of this tragedy, we continue to stand in solidarity with our PPS partners (California Association of School Psychologists and California Association of School Social Workers) and school nurses to address the needs of our school communities and band together our collective efforts to provide resources. For additional resources, please visit the following:
Resources for Parents and Educators:
Resources for educators:
ACR 179 (O'Donnell) is a CASC-sponsored bill recognizing the week of May 9-13, 2022 as Student Mental Health Week. CASC will be sending out letters to California Superintendents asking for their support in recognizing this week and drawing attention to the need for mental health support in schools. You can access the Request for Participation ACR179 Student Mental Health Week here and the Sample Support Letter – Assembly Concurrent Resolution (ACR) 179 (O’Donnell) here.
his is CASC’s 22nd annual state conference and our theme this year is “We're Back... To The Future”. The conference will be held, in person, on October 6 and 7 at the Riverside Convention Center in Riverside, California. Back by popular demand will be “A Taste of Riverside” followed by an evening of festivities with music, food, and giveaways.
CASC is announcing a new online training program - the School Counseling Supervision Certificate (SCSC). This certificate fulfills the new California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) Pupil Personnel Services Program Standards and Performance Expectations conditions passed in 2019. One of the new conditions requires universities to confirm that each school counselor who supervises fieldwork students demonstrate they have completed advanced training in supervision.
Earlier this month, a joint statement from the California Association of School Psychologists, the California Association of School Social Workers and CASC praised Biden's commitment to PreK-12th grade students and his specific commitment to strengthen the number of School-Based Mental Health Professionals in schools.
CASC will once again host this year's conference in a virtual-only format. Registrants will receive access to our online conference portal which will include over 40 breakout sessions, live general sessions each day, and A LOT of networking opportunities! Attendees will have the ability to set up small meetings with each other, visit ove
CASC will once again host this year's conference in a virtual-only format. Registrants will receive access to our online conference portal which will include over 40 breakout sessions, live general sessions each day, and A LOT of networking opportunities! Attendees will have the ability to set up small meetings with each other, visit over 15 exhibitors and sponsors - and have access to the virtual platform for 365 days after the event!
State and National organizations send letter to the House and Senate addressing the Shortages of School Mental Health and Other Specialized Instructional Support Personnel in FY2022
This document went out state-wide to school and community leaders asking for their support and action.
Understanding and Responding to your Child’s Mental Health Needs in the Time of Covid
This is a great opportunity to learn ways to advocate and create systemic change.
An Open Letter from the CASC Board of Directors on Non-Violence.
In preparation for the start of the 2020-21 school year, the California Association of School Counselors released the “COVID-19 Planning Considerations and Resources: Addressing Staff and Student Mental Health for School Re-Entry.” The guide is designed to provide state decision makers and school superintendents a number of tangible stra
In preparation for the start of the 2020-21 school year, the California Association of School Counselors released the “COVID-19 Planning Considerations and Resources: Addressing Staff and Student Mental Health for School Re-Entry.” The guide is designed to provide state decision makers and school superintendents a number of tangible strategies and ready-to-use resources to address student and staff mental health needs. Check out the full guide HERE and up-to-date list of resources HERE.
Check out CASC’s comprehensive list of Resources for Educators to Address Racism.
*INDICATES: COVID-19 AND/OR VIRTUAL RESOURCES
For questions or comments, please contact: covid19help@schoolcounselor-ca.org
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