Summary

Tim McIvor is a school psychologist who has been serving students for the last ten years. He spent the first five years of his career in Las Vegas, NV, and currently practices in Florida. He is the Founder and Managing Member of SchoolPsych.com. He bought the domain in 2014 and began offering free school psychology resources. In 2017, it became a business.

In this conversation, Jen and Tim delve into the world of school psychology, discussing the vital role school psychologists play in supporting students, the challenges they face, and the importance of collaboration with teachers and parents. They explore common behavioral and emotional issues children encounter, the significance of early intervention, and the necessity of creating structured environments at home. The discussion also highlights the importance of mindfulness and coping strategies for students, as well as clarifying the differences between educational and medical diagnoses.

Takeaways

School psychologists and counselors have distinct roles in education.

Interventions require time and consistency to be effective.

Collaboration among school staff is crucial for student success.

Mindfulness techniques can help students manage stress and anxiety.

Early intervention is key to addressing learning difficulties.

Behavioral interventions should focus on positive reinforcement.

Parents should maintain open communication with teachers.

Understanding percentiles can help parents gauge their child's performance.

Creating a structured home environment supports emotional health.

School psychologists are here to help and support families.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to School Psychology and Spontaneity

02:22 Understanding the Role of School Psychologists

05:48 Challenges in Early Intervention and Support

08:02 Common Challenges Children Face in School

10:36 Recognizing Learning Difficulties and Behavioral Issues

13:25 Collaboration Between School Psychologists, Teachers, and Parents

16:58 Behavior Interventions and Their Effectiveness

20:54 Advice for Parents on Supporting Children

24:49 The Importance of Patience in Interventions

28:18 Creating a Structured Environment at Home

31:20 Understanding Special Education Services

35:11 Navigating Medical Diagnoses and Educational Support

37:22 Coping Mechanisms for Stress and Anxiety

43:18 Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Parents and Psychologists

45:01 Engagement and Community Building

Summary

This week, Jen hosts Chris and Ashley Ponce, both experienced educators (School Psychologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst, respectively). They discuss their unique backgrounds, the challenges of parenting as educators, and the importance of behavioral analysis in schools. They explore the impact of COVID-19 on child development, the need for more BCBAs in educational settings, and the significance of social skills and emotional support for children. The discussion highlights the real-world experiences that shape their approaches to education and parenting, as well as the collaborative efforts needed to support students effectively.

Keywords

education, parenting, school psychology, behavior analysis, child development, trauma, COVID-19, social skills, BCBAs, emotional support

Takeaways

The importance of community among school psychologists.

Parenting approaches are evolving with new generations.

Real-world experience is crucial for educators.

Behavioral analysis can significantly improve student outcomes.

COVID-19 has lasting effects on child development.

Social skills are essential for children's success.

Trauma-informed practices are necessary in schools.

Collaboration between educators and behavior analysts is vital.

Support systems are crucial for completing advanced degrees.

The role of BCBAs in schools is often underappreciated.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Ponce Family

02:45 Navigating Doctoral Studies and Parenting

05:50 The Transition from Teaching to Behavior Analysis

08:27 The Impact of Experience in Education

11:25 Behavior Management in Schools

13:47 The Role of BCBAs in Education

16:49 Parenting Challenges and School Experiences

28:53 Navigating the Pandemic's Impact on Education

33:59 Understanding Trauma in School Settings

40:03 The Role of BCBAs and School Psychologists

45:18 Innovations in Assessment and Technology

51:13 Building Relationships in Education

58:04 Outro

To learn more about The School Collective, Christopher's educational consulting business: Schoolcollective.net

To stream The School Collective podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MM9SXpneENLodxehBGB9C?si=ciBImeN9TDeOYcv93rflfw

Summary

Juliana Ramirez, an independent bilingual school psychologist and children's author, meets Jen for the first time in the studio. They discuss Juliana's journey in school psychology, the importance of cultural competency, and the challenges faced by immigrant families in the education system. Juliana shares her experiences in building her own business (Pera Services), the distinction between independent practice and private practice, and the role of social media in connecting with other professionals. The conversation also highlights Juliana's new children's book, Juanita La Princesita, which addresses anxiety and representation in literature for bilingual children.

Keywords

bilingual school psychology, independent practice, cultural competency, immigration trauma, children's literature, social media, professional growth, school psychologist, mental health, education

Takeaways

Juliana has been a school psychologist for 14 years.

She started her bilingual school psychology business in 2018.

Cultural competency is crucial in supporting immigrant families.

Many school districts are now facing the challenge of serving EL students.

Independent practice allows for more flexibility compared to private practice.

Social media has opened up new avenues for professional connection and growth.

Juliana's book addresses anxiety in children and promotes social-emotional learning.

Representation in literature is vital for children from diverse backgrounds.

The journey to independence can be gradual and should be approached with courage.

Resources are available for school psychologists looking to start their own business.

Learn More about Juliana: https://www.peraservicesinc.com/

Preorder Juanita la Princesita:

https://www.amazon.com/Juanita-Princesita-Spanish-Juliana-Ramirez/dp/B0DHJG1M3B