Create a Blueprint for Collaboration
Stakeholders’ first collaborative effort should be to develop a mutual understanding of their shared work.
This “blueprint for collaboration” should include:
- a vision and mission for the SBHC
- partners’ common interests and goals for SBHC services
- clearly defined roles and responsibilities for all partners
- decision-making and/or operational protocols for areas of intersection, such as:
- information sharing
- equipment and facilities sharing
- student access to the health center
- community access to the health center
- systems for regularly scheduled and ad hoc communication
As early as possible, it should be formalized into a Letter of Agreement to which all partners can be held accountable.
Foster a Strong, Ongoing Relationship
Creating a “blueprint for collaboration” is only the first step in an ongoing process.
Stakeholders can continue to foster a strong relationship by taking important next steps:
- Identify liaisons representing the school, the SBHC, and any other key partners.
- Include at least one school representative on the SBHC advisory board.
- Form a Coordination of Services Team (COST), including school and SBHC representatives, as well as any other student support services providers.
- Ensure that the school and SBHC calendars are shared and kept updated.
- Schedule regular, standing meetings between school and SBHC partners as a forum for discussing accomplishments, as well as for noting challenges (before they become full-on problems!) and finding mutually acceptable solutions.
- Ensure that SBHC representatives attend school staff meetings and/or professional development sessions so they can give teachers and other personnel information about the SBHC, and about relevant medical and mental health issues.
Resources
Get more information on:
- areas of intersection and topics for partner discussion
- sample roles and responsibilities for school and district staff, SBHC staff, and other partners