The Education Subcommittee for the CBHCC
The education subcommittee of the CBHCC was formed to promote awareness of mental health resources and develop recommendations for best practices for mental health initiatives in school settings.
What is the structure of the education committee and who serves on it?
- The committee meets approximately once a month during the school year. It is chaired by Jennifer Akins from McKinney ISD and hosted each month by Laura Zimmer from Plano ISD.
- Each ISD in Collin County is invited to send a representative. Contact Jennifer Akins at jakins@mckinneyisd.net for more details.
- During our committee meetings we collaborate, share resources and ideas, and discuss best practices to serve the mental health needs of students in our county. Occasionally, we have invited guest speakers on various topics.
Does the education committee offer professional development?
- We are proud of our professional development events. We typically host one to two events each year. Our professional development is free and can often offer CEUs.
- See the attached for examples of past events:
- Would you like to be on our listserv for training opportunities? Would you like a chance to present or help sponsor an event? Contact Jennifer Atencio at jennifer.atencio@allenisd.org
Are you a mental health provider who wants to know more about school based mental health and comprehensive school counseling services? The committee wrote a guide just for you!
Resources for School Counselors
- www.txscholar.org – This “one stop shop” was developed by the Texas School Counselors Association and has tons of templates, resources, and links to more information.
- https://schoolmentalhealthtx.org/ – This site includes the Mental Health Toolkit, resource locator, articles, on demand training modules and more.
- https://www.classroomwise.org/video-library – This video library is intended to help teachers develop key skills to promote student well being and teach coping skills.
- https://mystrength.com/ – LifePath has purchased a license for any Collin County residence to have access to the app and website myStrength. It is a self-guided wellness program that is appropriate for ages 13 and up (remember our referral procedures). Check out how it works at using the code “LPSCOMM”
- https://developingchild.harvard.edu/science/key-concepts/ – This resource site has several videos and resources on child development and the science of attachment, resilience, and executive functioning skills.
- https://rhithm.app/activities-app/# – Check out this big collection of videos on mindfulness, gratitude, focus and many more SEL learning practices. Use the filters to find videos in English and Spanish!
- McKinney ISD has developed several parent resource online courses here.
Document Library
Here is a collection of educational resources that you might find helpful.