July 13, 2023

When every adult in a child’s life works together and uses evidence-based practices to achieve important outcomes, that’s camaraderie at its finest! Y4Y’s newest Click & Go, Multitiered Systems of Support (MTSS), will equip you and your program staff with practical skills and knowledge about using MTSS as you join forces with the school and/or school district to support success for all students. Let’s take a stroll down the yellow brick road for a glimpse of what you’ll see on your journey. 

Hello, Yellow Brick Road 

The MTSS Click & Go comes equipped with a mini-lesson that delves into what it means to use the MTSS framework. MTSS is all about increasing students’ social, emotional, and mental well-being and promoting engagement and academic success. Here are some key takeaways: 

• It’s important for school-day and out-of-school time staff to work together, using student-centered interventions and services. For example: 
  • Use experiential or “hands-on” learning. 
  • Offer activities in small groups. 
  • Provide students with access to various forms of media. 

Coordinated efforts to provide experiences like these can help students process academic content and learn new skills. 

• The MTSS framework makes sure every student gets intentional screening and planning of individualized services and interventions: 
  • The framework includes tiered supports from the school day and your program. 
  • There’s a process for screening students at each tier. 
  • A data-based process guides instruction and interventions. 

Here’s the good news: You don’t have to start from scratch. Understanding and using the MTSS framework will help you align your existing support services with school-day goals so the whole child is supported every step of the way. 

Podcasts and Resources and Tools, Oh My! 

Everyone has a different approach to learning and implementing new strategies, and Y4Y knows this! That’s why this Click & Go is packed with four podcasts, eight fully customizable tools, and a whole slew of external resources, all dedicated to helping you fit the MTSS framework into your program. Along with some ruby slippers (not included — sorry!), here are a few tools that will guide you toward the Emerald City: 

• The Student Engagement Plan tool will help ensure consistent communication with families to yield high-quality student participation. 
• Use the Support First, Then Train tool to increase your staff’s confidence and readiness to put MTSS in motion. 
• Use the Developing an Advisory Board tool to identify partners to help your program successfully adapt the MTSS framework. 

Trying to think about how every child can be best supported may seem overwhelming. However, you don’t have to do it all on your own. When your program uses a framework that prioritizes well-being, coordinates interventions, and incorporates evidence-based practices every step of the way, the lift becomes a whole lot easier, and every child will feel supported!