For schools & educators
School-BasedServices
Our school-based services cater to school professionals seeking an increased understanding of a student’s social communication challenges. These consultations implement strategies and accommodations that serve students in the classroom setting.
ConsultationObservationTrainingNASP-approved provider
Questions? Book an exploratory call with us!
For patients & non-patientsConsults via Microsoft Teams (HIPAA compliant)In person in parts of PA, NJ, NY, MD & DE
Our services
How we support school teams
01 · Consult & plan
School Consultation
Guidance for school professionals working with a student with selective mutism, social anxiety, and/or extreme shyness.
Learn more
02 · Observe in class
On-Site School Observation & Training
A trained clinician observes the student in the classroom, then meets with the school team.
Learn more
03 · Train your team
General Training Opportunities
A seminar for school professionals, in person or by web-conference, from one hour to a full day.
Learn more
01 · Consult & plan
School Consultation
SMart Center’s School Consultation is designed to aid school professionals working with a student with selective mutism, social anxiety, and/or extreme shyness. These consultations are unable to be recorded. This service is available to patients and non-patients and includes:
- Review of SM School Evaluation form(s) submitted by up to 2 teachers/school professionals
- Overview of Selective Mutism as a social communication anxiety and the Social Communication Bridge
- Discuss the student’s baseline stage of communication, “WHYs” of SM, and presenting challenges
- Implementation of best strategies and interventions
- If academic challenges exist, discuss possible relationship to the student’s SM and recommendations
- Review of current 504 Plan/IEP if applicable*
- Question and answer opportunity
- Comprehensive written report outlining best accommodations/interventions and strategies (can inform a 504/IEP plan if applicable) plus relevant supporting handouts/articles
Appointment cadence
Initial school consult per school year
1 hour
At the start of treatment or the beginning of a new school year, we highly recommend a 1-hour school consultation. This allows adequate time to review the child’s needs, discuss recommended strategies and interventions, answer questions, and provide guidance for implementation.
If scheduling limitations make a 1-hour consultation difficult, a 30-minute consultation can be scheduled with the understanding that there may not be enough time to fully address all relevant areas.
Follow-up school consultations
30 minutes
30 minutes typically suffices. Follow-ups include adjustments to the school accommodation and intervention plan and discussing progress and challenges.
- 1–2 SM School Evaluation forms are needed prior
- Cadence: as needed, based on the student’s progress
Written report
A written report will reflect what was able to be reviewed and discussed during the consultation. If additional guidance is needed, additional consultation time can be scheduled.
02 · Observe in class
On-Site School Observation & Training
Overview: Our trained clinician will observe a child with social communication challenges in their classroom setting, and then meet with school personnel to discuss findings and suggest school-based accommodations and interventions.
Note: This school-based service is not meant to replace an initial in-person evaluation of a child/student. At no time is a medical or psychological diagnosis made or confirmed, nor are recommendations supplied for outside of the school environment.
Details: Our clinician will spend approximately one hour observing the student in their classroom setting and approximately one hour discussing findings, recommendations, and answering questions with the school team.
For current SMart Center patients: this service is also available as a 2-hour training only, with observation time optional or required based on clinician recommendation, to educate school professionals on the student’s case and the appropriate accommodations and strategies for promoting communication confidence in the school setting.
This service includes
- Pre-appointment clinical review of SMart Center assessment forms from school and parents
- A clinical report post-session
Where Available
Schools in parts of PA, NJ, NY, MD, and DE.
Fees
- Service fee$1,000 + travel*
*See presenter travel fees under Training below.
03 · Train your team
General Training Opportunities
Overview: For schools looking for a general education seminar to better understand & assist children with selective mutism, this training can be adapted for in-person or web-conferencing formats in various lengths of time (one hour, half day, whole day) to meet the needs of your school.
Attendees will learn:
- What behaviors are indicative of selective mutism
- How Dr. Shipon-Blum’s evidence-based S-CAT® treatment approach can help
- What interventions can be used to promote communication within the school setting
We will also discuss topics such as contributing factors to a child’s development of selective mutism, how to evaluate a mute child, and school accommodations/interventions (504/IEP). Time will also be provided to answer questions.
Formats & locations
In-person or web-conferencing, from one hour to a half or whole day. In-person trainings are available for schools in parts of PA, NJ, NY, MD, and DE.
Fees
With Jennifer Brittingham, M.A., LPC; fees vary by format & length:
- On-site trainings$500/hour + travel*
- Virtual trainings$500/hour
*See presenter travel fees below.
Presenter travel fees for on-site observation & on-site trainings
- Less than 1-hour roundtrip travel: no additional travel fee
- 1 hour+ roundtrip travel: actual travel expenses are billed after the service for standard mileage, tolls, hotel (under $250 per night), airfare/train fare (lowest direct non-stop tickets), rental car, and meals (maximum $50/day) as applicable
- 2 hours+ roundtrip travel (trainings): minimum of 3-hour training engagements
04 · IEP & 504 support
IEP & 504 Plan Review and Meetings
IEP/504 Plan Review & Feedback
Our team will review your child’s current or proposed IEP or 504 Plan and provide individualized written feedback and recommendations based on their Selective Mutism and social communication needs. If requested, a consultation can also be scheduled to discuss recommendations and next steps.
- Service fee starting at$300
Based on review and consultation time.
IEP/504 Planning Meeting Attendance
One of our Selective Mutism experts will virtually attend your child’s IEP or 504 planning meeting to provide guidance, recommendations, and support to the school team and family. Includes review of the IEP or 504 Plan and virtual attendance at the meeting.
- Service fee starting at$500
Based on review and consultation time.
05 · Evaluate independently
Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs)
An Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) is a comprehensive evaluation conducted by a qualified professional who is independent of the child’s school district. Families may seek an IEE when they would like an additional expert assessment of their child’s needs or when there are questions or concerns about a school-based evaluation. This can be done at a parent’s request, and often a school requests one, since assessing a child who does not speak is challenging and expert guidance is needed.
For children and teens with Selective Mutism, traditional school evaluations may not always capture the full picture. Our IEEs look beyond the diagnosis to the “WHYs” behind a child or teen’s social communication challenges, and a comprehensive written report with findings and recommendations is provided to share with the student’s educational team.
Fees
Service fee varies based on the type of evaluation:
- Social Communication Full Battery Evaluationfrom $2,995
- Autism Spectrum Disorder Evaluationfrom $1,500
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Evaluationfrom $1,500
- Speech & Language Evaluationfrom $1,900
Continuing education
SMart Center is approved by the National Association of School Psychologists to offer professional development for school psychologists. SMart Center maintains responsibility for its programs. #1189
Ask us about continuing education activities!
Explore more
Other Ways We Can Help
Our most popular and successful approach to treating Selective Mutism. Designed for children, teens, and adults.
Intensive Group Treatment and Parent Training & Support Program to help parents, children, and teens (ages 3-17+)
Virtual social skills series for children and teens to practice social skills while building social confidence & connection with peers.
(i.e. Autism, ADHD)
School professionals seeking training, support and further education on Selective Mutism
Practical guidance to better understand Selective Mutism and support communication at home, at school, and in the real world.
Get Started:
Phone:
Email:
Address
