Clinical
The New School of Montpelier utilizes a combined team collaboration approach to increasing positive behaviors. Our clinical approaches allow staff to support student growth and independence through day to day programming, data analysis, maintenance of student and staff well-being, while promoting a positive culture within the school. Our part-time clinician and full-time behaviorist are able to conduct ongoing collaboration with staff, teachers, external providers, and family members in order to understand student needs.
NSM subscribes to the following philosophies and clinical approaches.
- Strengths-based Model: This model allows the team to look at what assets a student has and build on those abilities and strengths, rather than focusing primarily on problems and deficits.
- Trauma Informed: This model allows staff to have an understanding of the signs and the effects of trauma and be able to respond in healing ways for students with a history of trauma. Although this framework was initially developed for those who have experienced trauma, the guiding principles are supportive for all students to learn how to improve their ability to manage stress, while providing tools for coping and creating a culture of respect and support in the school. More information is provided here.
- Relationship Oriented: By prioritizing relationships at the New School, we are able to build healthy, attached relationships between students and adults, providing the basis for learning, development, and socialization.
- Behavioral Model: We are able to focus on the function of the students’ behaviors, not just the behavior itself, by using data and evidence based practices.