EDUCATIONAL
COORDINATORS
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Contacts: Sandra Skinner, Senior Educational Coordinator (617) 524-1290, x304  |
COMPASS recognizes the Educational Coordinators team for their consultation to Mass. Department of Social Services/ COMPASS Educational Coordinators work with the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (MSPCC) and Health and Education Services (HES) to provide consultation and technical assistance to the northeast offices of the Massachusetts Department of Social Services (DSS) regarding the educational needs and rights of children in state care. COMPASS Educational Coordinators are part of the Family Networks Lead Team in each DSS area office. (www.mass.gov/dss) COMPASS has worked with DSS for the past 12 years, and for the past five years has worked with the northeast region in the areas of Lynn, Haverhill, Lowell and Cape Ann. The Educational Coordinators work with DSS social workers, foster parents, biological parents, and service providers around complex matters related to educational issues including special education, discipline, transportation, student records, and concerns affecting homeless children. Educational Coordinators work to build and sustain communication and positive relationships with school districts. They attend special education team meetings and respond to crisis around education placements, suspensions, expulsions, and transportation issues. In addition Coordinators attend "area based" meetings providing case consultation and problem-solving strategies to social workers. The COMPASS Educational Coordinators Team is valued for its expertise, experienced staff, knowledge and understanding of the multiple issues faced by social workers, families, school districts and communities in providing guidance and support to children in need. COMPASS believes that a quality academic school experience is a critical component in building permanency for all children, and that its services play an important role in efforts to make permanency possible. We value our partnership with HES, MSPCC, and DSS in providing critical support to the States most vulnerable families. For more information contact Sandy Skinner at sandy.skinner@compassboston.org or (617) 524-2333 ext. 245. More: |