How PrairieCare collaborates with Schools

Admission- PrairieCare recognizes the role that academics plays with a students mental health and the consistency of their education. The classroom teacher at PrairieCare will be contacting the appropriate school staff upon a students admission (and the completion of a release of information). The team social worker may also be sharing information with the appropriate school staff. It is important to understand that although PrairieCare encourages open communication, the parent/guardian has ultimate authority over whom we can communicate with.

Treatment Updates- PrairieCare will be sending weekly treatment plan updates to school staff so they can understand changes to target behaviors, updated psychological evaluations, medication changes, and more important information. This weekly update will also show the estimated length of stay (LOS). Again, it is typical that a patient receives treatment at PrairieCare for 3-6 weeks, which translates to 15 - 30 treatment days (5 treatment days per week). The LOS is evaluated weekly and will fluctuate depending on progress. The treatment plan update will also outline the tentative discharge plan.

Academics- The teacher at PrairieCare will contact the appropriate school staff to gather any applicable school work for the student. Although the PrairieCare teacher can create curriculum for the student, it is ideal that they can continue to work on their usual work to maintain continuity with their peers back at school. This also allows for a much easier transition back to school for both the student and school staff. This will also allow the school staff to work on the key elements of their education, while they continue focus on improving their mental health.

Discharge Plan- Once a patient has achieved their goals and has shown symptoms stabilization, PrairieCare staff will begin to implement the discharge plan. The discharge plan will include the following:

-Appointments for individual and/or family therapy
-Appointments for Psychiatry follow-up
-Transition back to educational placement

The classroom teacher will coordinate with school staffing one week prior to discharge from PrairieCare. This meeting will review the progress made in treatment, the plan for successful transition, and a plan for follow-up. If the student will not be returning to their home school (i.e. referred to a day treatment setting, residential placement, etc), PrairieCare will work closely with school staff to coordinate this transition.