The Child & Family Study Team When children are not succeeding in school, the effects of the resulting frustration and disappointment impact them and their families in many ways. CFST helps students and their families understand the learning process and improves the outlook for more positive school outcomes. It may be that: a previously overlooked learning weakness may be preventing a child from being successful; modifications to the curriculum may increase school progress; or psychological issues may be interfering with school progress. Using the approach developed by Dr. Sue Greenberger Levine in her book Second S.T.E.P.: Sequential Testing and Educational Programming. CFST will analyze and synthesize relevant and reliable performance data related to a learner's strengths and needs. They will then: complete an in-depth study of intellectual, perceptual, spoken and written language, reading, math, social and emotional,and attentional skill development and complete a comprehensive, individualized report and a practical set of recommendations and strategies to maximize the student's educational and emotional development. This approach has been used for more than 25 years by psychologists and teachers across the country. It has been shown to be an effective way to understand and increase learning performance and identify learners who may be gifted and talented, have learning disabilities, have ADD or ADHD, or may have emotional issues. THE CHILD & FAMILY STUDY TEAM has been recognized and honored for its high level of academic achievement, years of valuable service to students, families, schools and communities, and its dedication to excellence. The comprehensive evaluation and follow-up involve the student working with both a licensed Psychologist and an Educational Diagnostician for approximately six hours. When the learner is of school age, and with parental permission, the CFST: THE CHILD & FAMILY STUDY TEAM will contact the student's school to gain relevant information regarding academic progress. The evaluation team meets with the parent(s) and student (when appropriate) before and after the assessment, to explain the findings and recommendations. If previous valid and reliable assessment data are available, additional testing may not be indicated. By reviewing existing information, CFST: THE CHILD & FAMILY STUDY TEAM can interpret information in a way that may provide answers to previously unanswered questions. In every case, the focus is on increasing future educational and emotional development and helping families make sound educational decisions related to school instruction, appropriate accommodations, the setting most likely to enhance learning outcomes, school placement and choice. THE CHILD & FAMILY STUDY TEAM offers an array of diagnostic, treatment and referral services for children, adolescents, adults, and families, as well as consultative services for schools and child-serving organizations including: Psycho-Educational Evaluations Counseling and Psychotherapy School Advocacy School Choice Decision-making Tutoring in all academic subjects SAT preparation In-service Staff Development including: writing IEPs utilizing the Second S.T.E.P. © Model in CERs Wilson Reading Program © Project READ © Touch Math © Handwriting Without Tears © developing Written Language skills Character Education and positive approaches to managing behavior classroom management of ADD/ADHD The goal of CFST: THE CHILD & FAMILY STUDY TEAM is for our students to understand and appreciate their own learning style and effective strategies so they understand how they learn best and re-value themselves as capable learners. This enables them to take pride in, and responsibility for, their present and future learning.