Communication for Countryside and Creek Valley Parents
Edina Public Schools and Fraser Partnership
Introduction to Fraser
Fraser is one of the largest and most experienced providers of children's mental and behavioral health services in the Twin Cities. Fraser is partnering with Edina Public Schools to provide school-based mental health services for students in kindergarten through 5th grade starting the 2016-2017 school year. This partnership is designed to meet the social, emotional and behavioral needs of children and their families. As this partnership begins, Fraser will be providing services at Creek Valley and Countryside elementary schools, with the intention of increasing services to pre-kindergarten and all elementary schools within the district over subsequent academic years. Fraser staff will provide various levels of support based on students’ and families’ needs, which can include individual, family, and group therapy. These services can help children and families who may not be able to access mental health services due to a variety of reasons (e.g. transportation, difficulty attending appointments before/after school).
What do mental health issues look like in children?
Mental Health, also known as emotional or behavioral health, is a vital part of a child’s overall health and development. All children experience periods of anger, frustration and sadness. However, for some children, these normal stresses can be overwhelming to the point that they interfere with the child’s everyday life, such as:
- Having difficulty at home, in school, interpersonally or within the family
- Having difficulties affecting his/her ability to eat or sleep
- Having a hard time in situations where they used to be okay
- Experiencing problems significant enough that they are causing the child or other family members distress
There are a few signs, as a child grows, that may indicate the need to seek help from a mental health professional. Examples in pre-k and elementary age children are:
- Intense anxiety with separation from caregiver
- Marked decline in school performance
- Poor grades in school despite trying very hard
- Severe worry, fear, or anxiety—regular refusal to go to school, go to sleep, or take part in activities that are normal for the child’s age
- Hyperactivity; fidgeting; constant movement beyond regular playing
- Persistent nightmares
- Persistent disobedience or aggression, or opposition to authority figures
- Frequent, unexplainable temper tantrums
Information provided by Children’s Mental Health Matters! Campaign. Facts above are adapted from the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, “Facts for Families” and from Dr. Robert Franks, Connecticut Center for Effective Practice, kidsmentalhealthinfo.com
What to do if you identify emotional or behavioral health concerns with your child?
If you have concerns about your child and wish to pursue Fraser services, or have questions, please speak with the school psychologist (Jake Mathiason) or social worker (Sarah Tuma) at your child’s elementary school for more information. They will guide you through the next steps for accessing Fraser services.