CATs in schools

[Guest guest]

Jonathon,

I wonder if we can provide better services to children in schools if we are NOT

employed by the school system. I am a drama therapist working in a hospital-run

mental health clinic that is located inside of a middle school. One of the

benefits of working for a hospital in a School Support Program is that I can

serve the mental health needs of the children rather than the agenda of the

school administration. Another benefit is that I get supervision and support

from the other hospital staff with whom I work in the school. Since I am

working for a hospital, my CAT license is fully recognized. I suggest that CATs

who want to help children in New York City schools get themselves hired by

School Support Programs/School-Based Health Centers that hospitals run inside of

schools.

Fred Landers

Re: Art Therapy within school system

>

>I think that part of the issue is about wanting to work in a school setting

>with students, in which case there seem to be a lot of programs that are

>contracted by the Board of Ed to provide services in schools and which

>certainly provide opportunities for art therapists. The other part is

>wanting the job security and excellant benefits that comes from working

>directly for the Board of Ed and the fact that social workers and counselors

>are eligible for those jobs but we are not, despite the level of training

>and competence that goes along with our credentials. At least I mean that

>with respect to the professionals providing clinical services because I am

>not trying to imply that I am qualified to help with programming students'

>schedules and the more specialized functions of guidance staff.

>-Jonathon

>

>

>>

>> I just wanted to offer some of my experience in regards to the above.

>> I have been working at PS 188 as a creative arts therapist since 2002.

>> I came in through Project Liberty (Post 9/11 funds) and then was kept

>> on through the Sports and Arts Foundation and still currently am

>> funded by them. The reason I am there at all is because the principal

>> is very motivated to have great programs at the school. (We also have

>> a professional drummer/psychologist who does drumming with the kids

>> weekly.) She's been in the system for over 35 years and knows the

>> ropes. That said, she she wants me to come in as a substitute teacher

>> (though that is not exactly what I do), but so the funds do come from

>> Board of Ed.

>> All of this to say that you need to think out of the box. If you are

>> really motivated to come into the schools you can either work for

>> Counseling in the Schools or I would suggest to write up a proposal to

>> your desired school and perhaps inquire with the powers that be as to

>> possible funding sources.

>> The downside is that I do not get onsite supervision which is really a

>> huge issue. I do lots of informal " peer supervision " with colleagues,

>> but that is not enough. I also, through the years, have less and less

>> space. (I went from having a huge art room to now having a " roaming "

>> art supply closet that I bring to other spaces.)

>> It would be amazing to have something like Counseling in the Schools

>> but for creative arts therapies.

>> Anyway, I hope this is useful.

>> Peace,

>> Tara Mooney, MA

>> (LCAT Pending)

>>

>>

>>