The Safe Schools resource specialist provides training, resources and technical assistance to promote a drug-free school/community environment which is physically and emotionally safe, well-disciplined, and conducive to learning. Assistance is provided to schools in the following ways:

Consultation       

• Help schools to identify training needs.
• Consult with administrators, teachers and school staff regarding individual students’ emotional and behavioral needs.
• Consult with administrators, teachers and school staff on classroom management needs, schoolwide positive behavioral intervention and support (PBIS) and behavioral response to intervention (RTI).
• Consult with administrators, teachers and school staff regarding research-based programs and curricula.

Collaboration

• Represent the district on school and community boards committed to serving youth
• Work with community agencies to provide services and secure funding for collaborative initiatives
• Collaborate with other departments at "It's About Kids" Support Services

Data collection

• Prepare district, state and federal reports
• Prepare and conduct surveys and other research to assess needs

Training

• Provide schools with evidence-based training, resources and information
• Customize training according to identified school and district needs
• Provide follow-up support  to foster successful implementation 
• Topics: Schoolwide positive behavioral intervention and support, classroom management, in-school suspension programs, social competency, bullying prevention, school-based intervention teams, anger management/de-escalation strategies, threat assessment, individual behavioral intervention, individual behavior support plans, response to intervention (behavioral)

Resources

• Kentucky Center for School Safety 
• Kentucky Agency on Substance Abuse Policy
• Lexington-Fayette County Health Department
• Stop Bullying Now national campaign