In Connecticut, schools are facing a mounting challenge. The shortage of school psychologists is putting extra strain on educators and administrators, forcing them to make difficult decisions about how to support students in need. With fewer psychologists available, schools are experiencing delays in assessing and addressing students’ academic and social-emotional needs, leaving many children without the timely support they deserve.
Across the state, the impact of this shortage is being felt daily in classrooms. Teachers are witnessing students struggle with behavioral and academic issues, but without proper evaluations, it’s difficult to know where to begin. One principal in Fairfield County shared, “Our teachers are overwhelmed. They see students who clearly need help, but without access to timely assessments, we’re stuck waiting—and so are the kids.”
In some districts, wait times for evaluations stretch into months, creating critical gaps in support that can impact a student’s entire school year. This is more than a staffing issue—it’s a significant barrier to student success.
At Aspire Living & Learning, we understand the strain this shortage puts on schools, and we’re here to help. As a nonprofit dedicated to empowering students, educators, and communities, we’re committed to helping schools address the behavioral health needs of their students.
Our interdisciplinary team, including experienced school psychologists, collaborates with districts to deliver timely, high-quality assessments and evaluations. These services help schools identify students’ academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs, equipping educators with actionable insights to develop effective intervention plans.
“Our goal is to alleviate the burden schools are facing while ensuring students get the support they need as soon as possible,” said Courtney Cotter, Senior Director of Children’s Mental Health at Aspire. “We know the difference timely evaluations can make in a student’s life, and we’re here to help schools make that happen.”
Recently, a school administrator in New Haven County shared how a partnership with us has made a difference, “thanks to Aspire’s quick turnaround, we were able to get an intervention plan in place immediately. The impact on that student’s confidence and performance has been incredible.” For that student, timely support transformed their school experience, restoring both confidence and progress.
We also understand that many schools operate within tight budgets, making it difficult to hire a full-time school psychologist. Aspire’s cost-effective services offer a solution, providing high-quality support that fits within financial constraints. “Our partnership model ensures schools can access as-needed support without the financial commitment of a permanent hire,” Cotter added. “It’s about providing what schools need, when they need it, while maintaining high-quality care.”
Every student deserves the opportunity to succeed, and every school deserves access to the resources that make success possible. If your school is feeling the strain of the school psychologist shortage, know that you’re not alone. Aspire is here to help. Together, we can ensure that students receive the timely, effective support they need to thrive.
To learn more about Aspire’s behavioral health services and how we can partner with your school, click here or contact us today.