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NEDA TOOLKIT for Educators Tips for school psychologists According to the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), school psychologists should: • Model healthy attitudes (balanced and flexible eating and exercise for health rather than appearance) • Know how to approach individuals at risk for or in the early stages of an eating disorder • Refer at-risk students for screening and evaluation to clinicians in the community • Have a plan for communicating about medical and psychological concerns about a student to parents/guardians • Be knowledgeable about appropriate community treatment resources and help for families without adequate health insurance or other resources • Learn about the current best practices for eating disorder s to support the student and family during the recovery process • Be aware of the medical complications associated with eating disorders • Provide support to students in recovery returning to the school setting. Act as a: School contact for treatment team Student advocate (e.g., help student negotiate scheduling conflicts between school and doctor appointments; educate teachers about side effects of student’s medication) Supportive in-school counselor (e.g., relaxation techniques, supportive and reflective listening, safe place to eat meals and snacks, short-term solutions focused or problem solving techniques for in-school issues) Consultant to faculty, administrators, and staff • For students in recovery, work with treatment team and school to ensure the reintegration plan takes the student’s medical, psychological, and academic needs into account. Upon re- entry, student may need: Supportive counseling Medical monitoring Release from physical education classes Meal monitoring Communication with treatment team and family • Help the school devise a reduced workload for student, alternative assignments for physical education requirements, extended time on assignments/tests, peer tutoring, copies of class notes from missed days, and access to a quiet study location, as needed • Work with administrators to create a healthy school environment (e.g., zero-tolerance of appearance-based teasing and bullying, elimination or reduction of school-required calorie counting, weighing, and BMI measurements) • Promote alternative assignments for class activities that may be triggers for an eating disorder student (weighing-in, co-education swim class, calorie counting in nutrition class) (Guidelines adapted from “The Prevention and Treatment of Eating Disorders: An Overview for School Psychologists,” www.nasponline.org) Please note that your professional rights and responsibilities may vary by state and school system; please consult your school administration as well as any relevant local and professional organizations for information on regional guidelines. Page  | 26