WRITTEN BY MATT CRETSINGER, DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL SERVICES
The Marshalltown Community School District (MCSD) is proud to announce the addition of three licensed therapists to its staff, launching a new school-based therapy program for special education students. This initiative, offered as a related service under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), is designed to support students whose mental health needs impact their academic success.
IDEA ensures that children with disabilities receive a free and appropriate public education tailored to their individual needs. Schools must develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for each eligible student, outlining specific goals, supports, and services to help them succeed academically and socially. Related services, such as speech therapy, transportation, and physical therapy, support students in benefiting from their education. In this case, counseling is the related service provided to help students learn and participate fully in school.
As part of a student’s IEP, the new counseling services will offer individualized or small-group sessions for eligible students. These sessions will help students develop crucial skills such as self-regulation and self-monitoring to manage challenges in the classroom. The goal is to equip students with the tools they need to succeed both academically and emotionally.
These new positions are about helping students address the mental health conditions that contribute to their learning difficulties. By addressing their needs directly in the school environment, we are enhancing their opportunity to succeed both in school and in life.
Not all students with IEPs will receive these services. To add counseling to an existing IEP, the student’s IEP team will conduct an evaluation to determine if the student qualifies and would benefit from school-based counseling. If eligible, a licensed therapist will work closely with the student and their family to provide tailored strategies for managing mental health in the school setting. If your child is not eligible for school-based counseling services but you would still like them to work with a licensed therapist, the district has partnerships with local mental health agencies that serve youth in schools and throughout the community. We can assist in connecting you with these services.
This school-based therapy program was developed through a collaborative effort between the district, the Iowa Department of Education, the University of Northern Iowa, and Central Rivers Area Education Agency (AEA), incorporating best practices from both special education and mental health support.
At present, these services are available at Franklin Elementary, Lenihan Intermediate School, the district’s Therapeutic Classrooms program, and Marshalltown Learning Academy, with plans for future expansion being considered.
Innovative practices like integrating mental health support directly into our special education services reinforce our commitment to creating a supportive, inclusive environment for our students. This program is just one step in our ongoing journey to prioritize student well-being alongside academic achievement. For more information, please contact the Department of Special Services at the Marshalltown School District central office.
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN TIMES-REPUBLICAN