Resources Available to FCASD Students
Supports for FCASD Students
The Fox Chapel Area School District understands that students have a variety of mental health and emotional support needs throughout the school year. To meet those diverse needs, the district offers built multiple layers of support at each building.
Here are the resources that are available to our students:
School Psychologist
• 3 total: 3 full-time employees; open contract with Allegheny Intermediate Unit 3 to address any additional needs within the district.
• Part of our Crisis Response Team
Guidance Counselors
• FCAHS: 6 counselors
• DMS: 3 counselors
• Elementary: 2 counselors at O'Hara Elementary; 1 counselor at Fairview, Hartwood, and Kerr elementary schools
Building-Based Student Assistance Programs and Elementary Student Assistance Programs (SAP/ESAP)
• Consists of principal(s), counselors, University of Pittsburgh MAPS personnel, nurse(s), and teachers
• Identification of student needs through identified markers
• Consistent interaction with Allegheny County Department of Human Services to assist in supporting students
HSAO Child & Adolescent Services (SAP)
The Fox Chapel Area School District utilizes HSAO, which provides behavioral health service coordination to children and adolescents who are between the ages of 3 and 21 and residents of Allegheny County. HSAO's primary goal is to support youth and their families with accessing and effectively benefiting from behavioral health services. HSAO staff utilize client and family strengths to improve outcomes in educational programs, increase social opportunities in the community, decrease legal involvement, ensure collaboration with physical health providers, and develop more engaged natural supports. All children’s services are provided with a creative and flexible approach in the least restrictive environment.
Transition Coordinator
• Licensed professional counselor
• Teaches social thinking in grades 9-12
• Nationally recognized as an expert in the field of transition
Behavioral Specialist
• 2 within the district
• Work primarily with grades K-5 but available for grades 6-12
Social Worker
• 1 within the district
School-Based Mental Health
• K-12 service for our families
• Offers outpatient counseling services to families during the school day
• Working with Clarvida
School Consultation
• Contracted services through the AIU3 and the Watson Institute
• Consultation and assistance for student and classroom supports within our district
As always, we encourage our parents and guardians to contact the district directly to get the most current account of the programs and resources that the district offers.