School Social Workers serve all students enrolled in Kankakee School District 111. School Social Workers bring to the school setting an understanding of the social/emotional development of children and the influence of family, community and cultural differences. The Illinois School Social Work Association provides the following framework for understanding what School Social Workers do.

What is a School Social Worker?

School Social Workers (SSW) are a vital part of the educational team, working together with parents, administrators, teachers and related service providers. Their unique graduate level training in social work enables them to understand and interpret influences of the school, home and community on children. School Social Workers identify factors that can make school a more successful experience for students.

What do School Social Workers Do?

School Social Workers help students:

• achieve maximum benefit from their educational opportunities
• understand themselves and others
• improve interpersonal relationships
• cope with stress
• develop decision making skills.

School Social Workers help parents:

• participate effectively in their children's education
• understand and meet their children's social and emotional needs
• understand programs available to students with special needs
• utilize school and community resources effectively.

School Social Workers help schools:

• understand factors (cultural, societal, economic, familial, health, etc.) that affect students' abilities to make maximum use of their school experience
• utilize their resources in meeting the educational, social and emotional needs of students
• promote a safe school environment.