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