smiling elementary student getting on a yellow school bus

What We Do

Technical Assistance Through Individual and Systems Intervention

To promote access to services and programs that address youth’s educational needs, EAP education advisors provide technical assistance as well as work to build capacity in the field that fosters academic and social development. DCFS and POS welfare staff and administrators, caregivers, youth in care, school personnel, and others make referrals to EAP education advisors for technical assistance when youth in care encounter educational issues. Examples of the educational issues referred that staff resolve include: special education services, enrollment obstacles, school record transfer, academic challenges, behavioral and school discipline problems, school fees and funding etc. By providing solutions, EAP remove barriers that could otherwise have a negative impact on the student’s learning, school engagement, stability and ultimately life outcomes.

Support and Collaboration

Fostering educational well-being requires the ability to assess and problem solve school related issues, interpret documentation, and advocate across systems so that children and youth can gain access to programs and services. EAP education advisors gather and examine information, review documents, communicate with parties involved including caseworkers, caregivers, schools, students, participating in staffing, provided consultation and advocated for appropriate educational planning, programs and services to meet student’s needs. Education advisors effectively connect people and systems to secure effective outcomes for youth in care; they are masterful at building networks of communication between and among caregivers, caseworkers, students, educators, providers and others that benefit the youth they serve.

Training/Professional Development

EAP has and continues to train professionals across several disciplines that interface with the education of youth in care, thus improving their competence and building capacity. EAP develops curricula on educational subject matter relevant youth’s educational needs and rights, education laws and policies, and strategies for advocacy and collaborating, all of which contribute to enhancing education services and progress of youth in care. EAP also provides training for caregivers, youth, and community stakeholders.

For more information about the Center for Child Welfare and Education, contact:

815-753-5562
ccwe-info@niu.edu
NIU Center for Child Welfare and Education
Monat Building
148 N Third Street,
DeKalb, IL 60115-2828

Education Access Project Service Feedback Survey

Back to top