As a Special Education Director, you know firsthand the importance of having qualified and experienced school psychologists on staff. So what do you do when you have vacancies for this critical position? One option is to turn to a contract company to provide candidates for the vacant roles. However, not all contract companies are created equally, and choosing the wrong one can cause more problems than it solves.
We’ve heard the horror stories: negative and even litigious outcomes from poorly handled contract evaluations, including using different eligibility criteria for specific learning disabilities, resulting in erroneous eligibility decisions; incomplete evaluations by contractors that required even more time from the already-overstretched district school psychologists to finish; and blanket recommendations inappropriate for the specific student, resulting in parents’ confusion.
These mishandled situations and negative outcomes can certainly lead to a bad impression of contract companies. We get it – that's one of the reasons we founded Psyched Services. We share your commitment to legally-defensible, high-quality evaluations.
We know you want to choose a contract company that will provide the high level of service and support that your students and staff deserve, which is why we’ve put together some tips on how to find the right fit for your district, so read on for how to make that happen in your schools.
Tip 1: Double Check Accreditation, Expertise, and Experience
We understand the weight of your responsibility in choosing a contract company. It's not just about credentials; it's about a proven track record of excellence. Think of it as adding a valuable member to your team and treat the contract company like you would any other hiring process. Ask potential companies for references and follow up with them to ensure they have a consistent history in meeting the needs of their clients. However, qualifications alone do not guarantee a good fit. It is also important to consider the company’s expertise. Choose a company that specializes in providing school psychologists, special education, and/or mental health practitioners, rather than one that offers a wide range of general staffing services. In addition, a company with a commitment to ongoing professional development for their staff ensures that practitioners have up-to-date knowledge about best practices and changing requirements within the field.
Tip 2: Ensure Commitment to Legal, Ethical, and Cultural Competence
Prioritize contract companies that demonstrate a strong commitment to legal and ethical compliance. This includes adherence to relevant state and federal regulations, confidentiality standards, and ethical guidelines set forth by the National Association of School Psychologists. However, given the diverse nature of today's student populations, it's also essential to prioritize cultural competence in your selection process. The contract company should demonstrate an understanding of the unique needs of your students and be equipped to provide services that are culturally responsive and inclusive. Look for a company that takes the time to learn your district and regional practices to ensure that the services they provide are in alignment with specific requirements that may vary depending on location.
Tip 3: Look for Transparent Communication
Effective communication is the foundation of a successful partnership. Prioritize contract companies that are transparent in their communication, providing clear information about their processes, timelines, and reporting mechanisms. Regular updates and open lines of communication will help foster a collaborative relationship between your district and the contracted professionals.
Tip 4: Find Customized Solutions
Your district is unique, facing distinct challenges and priorities. Seek a contract company willing to tailor their services to meet the specific needs of your district. This could involve customizing assessment tools, intervention strategies, or professional development programs to align with your district's goals and values.
Tip 5: Consider Relational and Long-Term Focus
When selecting a contract company, it’s important to think beyond the short-term need to fill a vacancy. Choose a company with a long-term focus on building relationships with schools and communities, rather than one solely focused on providing quick fixes. This will ensure your schools benefit from consistent and reliable school psychology services over time, and you’ll have a trusted partner to turn to for future needs.
Selecting and utilizing a contract company to fill school psychology vacancies is a critical process that demands careful consideration. With the right contract company, you can build a strong relationship with a trusted partner for now and for the future, AND your district benefits from a collaborative and effective school psychology team that contributes to the well-being and success of all students within your schools.
Related: 6 Ways Project-Based School Psychology Services are Better than a Traditional Service Model
The Psyched Services Difference
We're committed to supporting districts and addressing their unique needs. Check out our Supporting Paraprofessionals Guide, which has helped districts like yours ensure that their paraprofessionals have the tools they need to help students succeed.
Have questions or want more information about our services? Schedule a call today to learn about how we can partner with you to fill vacancies, provide professional development or coaching, and/or more.
