"Early Intervention" by Dianne Flak

                  After having read the material for this weeks class, I was shocked that in-school programs such as Title I are considered early intervention, especially in the middle school and high school settings. I have had considerable experience with early intervention programs while working in the wraparound program in Pennsylvania. Many of the clients I have been assigned to over the years have been enrolled in early intervention programs such as "Success by Six" and "Head Start". Both these programs serve either "at risk" or economically disadvantaged students and provide them with opportunities to ensure future academic success. Although both are great programs, obviously the school cannot do it alone. Having grown-up in an upper middle class family, I gained a real eye opening experience working as a wraparound. The program, which is very big in Pennsylvania, is nearly non-existent in Ohio. The wraparound aka Therapeutic Support Staff or TSS are assigned to a particular client. Depending on the individual treatment plan, the TSS may be assigned to work with the child in the home, community, or school. The treatment team will determine the specific number of hours of support is needed and in what settings. I have worked in homes that have been so dirty that I could not even sit down. I've also had to change my clothes in my garage because I was infested with fleas just from walking in a home to obtain a parents signature. What some students have to live with is so disheartening. Throughout my time as a wraparound, I began to understand what it truly means to advocate for a child. I was on a first name basis with case workers from children's services, calling them several times a month due to bruising or lack of care. So how much is in-school early intervention going to help if the basic needs of the children are possibly not being met? I think the "whole child" approach is the only way to go. Obviously, some families will need more support than others. Many families need case workers to assist with organizing services and medical treatments. Looking beyond the walls of school is the true beginning of early intervention. I believe that every teacher should be required to go on home visits. Until one actually gets a glimpse into what a child deals with, I don't think you can adequately understand how to help.