Collaborative Educational Services (COEDS) is a program that provides supportive services in the home and community settings to special education students, via the IEP process. COEDS would be provided for students whose needs interfere with their ability to access and make progress in their educational program. COEDS may include Social Work Services, Behavior Interventions. and parent-t0-parent support. The COEDS Program may provide a Family Case Manager, Youth Partner and/or Parent Partner to work with the student and family in the home and community.
It is important to remember that COEDS is a school based service to support the student in being successful in coming to school and participating in school work. The Special Education Case Manager should consider all COEDS staff as part of the IEP team, with regular communication and reports on progress. The family will have signed an agreement that the school and COEDS agency can communicate about the student. There will be IEP goals written for the service outcomes related to COEDS, and the Case Manager will be responsible for monitoring and reporting progress on those goals.
The Family Case Manager is a licensed therapist working with student and family in the context of the home and family dynamics. The ultimate outcome is for the family to be empowered to support the student in coming to and participating in school. The Special Education Case Manager should be in communication with the Family Case Manager about ongoing progress of the student, and any concerns.
Youth Partners are bachelor's degree level employees that develop a relationship with the student, emphasizing healthy participation in family and school life. If the student has a Youth Partner, they may work with the student in the home, community, or at school, but always with the ultimate goal of supporting the student in accessing school. If the Special Education Case Manager sees the Youth Partner on a regular basis, they can communicate about the student's perfprmance. If not, they should communicate regularly by phone or electronic means.
Parent Partners are people who have "lived experience" with a family member with mental illness or other emotional needs. If the family has a Parent Partner, they will provide parent-to-oarent support to the parent of the student. Although the parent can expect confidentiality, the Special Education Case Manager should communicate with the Parent Partner about the student's progress.