Mental Health Services

Integrated Support Specialist (ISS)

In November 2023, the CORE Collective of Reach Dane completed a 40-hour study on our Site Director position. Out of this came information that there was a gap between site coordination and supportive services to our classroom staff. Because of this gap, we created the Integrated Support Specialist (ISS) position and piloted it for the 2024-2025 school year. The ISS position is a fusion of mental health and education, serving as a primary attachment source to a site. Supportive services positions formerly worked with classrooms, whereas the ISS position works with an entire site to really work to promote relationships and trust within that site’s culture. Additionally, the ISS position was supported by a team of mentors to the position from various departments across the agency – Education, Mental Health, Family Services, and Systems Change to work to provide interdisciplinary support for the many facets that come up in relation to our classrooms.

Therapeutic Classrooms

Sprouts & Monarchs

The Sprouts therapeutic classroom at the Union Corners site is designed to support young children who benefit from additional social, emotional, and behavioral guidance in a structured, nurturing environment. Sprouts focuses on early intervention, helping children build foundational regulation skills, develop trusting relationships with caregivers, and strengthen communication through consistent routines and individualized support. With lower ratios and embedded therapeutic practices, the classroom creates a safe space where children can practice coping strategies, engage in meaningful play, and begin to feel confident navigating group settings.

The Monarchs therapeutic classroom at the Stoughton site builds on that foundation, supporting children as they grow in independence and emotional awareness. Monarchs emphasizes skill-building in self-regulation, peer interaction, and problem-solving, helping children prepare for more traditional classroom environments while still receiving the support they need. Through a combination of intentional teaching, therapeutic support, and strong family partnerships, Monarchs empowers children to express themselves, manage challenges, and continue their developmental progress in a way that honors their individual experiences.