The AHS Transitional Learning Center (TLC) provides short-term intensive assistance to students enrolled at AHS who are returning to school after an extended absence due to psychiatric treatment or a medically related absence that requires social emotional support. To make the adjustment to a regular school routine as smooth as possible, the TLC provides the following short-term services in four key areas: 1) direct mental health supports to students; 2) academic coordination; 3) family engagement; and 4) care coordination. Of note, APS is a member of the BRYT network (Bridge for Resilient Youth in Transition), and this program utilizes the BRYT model for school re-entry and support.

The TLC covers the following circumstances:

• Students returning to school from an inpatient psychiatric hospitalization, partial hospitalization program, residential treatment facility, or intensive outpatient treatment program.

• Students returning to school from an extended absence, no shorter than eight consecutive school days, due to a medical crisis, who have been identified as needing focused mental health support in addition to academic case management.

• Re-entry from an extended absence, no shorter than eight consecutive school days, due to school avoidance in the context of psychiatric symptoms/diagnosis confirmed via documented clinical assessment. Use of the TLC for this need is contingent upon collaboration and ongoing treatment with outside providers. It must be clear that consecutive absences are due to psychiatric symptoms, that a clinical diagnosis has been made by a qualified professional, and that there is active outpatient treatment with goals related to school avoidance.

In order to maintain a safe environment for students, the TLC is structured to support students who present with internalizing symptoms. Students with externalizing behavioral challenges (i.e. verbal or physical aggression, elopement, destructiveness), social maladjustment, and/or substance use challenges are not a fit for the TLC program.