The Rhode Island School Psychologists Association (RISPA) has submitted an application to take part in the School-based Mental Health Services Grant and enter into a mutually beneficial agreement with RIDE to expand the capacity of the state and districts in supporting student and staff mental health. This grant agreement would allow RISPA to join other state mental health professional organizations, such as The Rhode School Counselors Association and RI School Social Workers, to increase awareness and shared understanding of roles and responsibilities across school-based mental health professionals.  Additionally, it will provide much needed resources and support for RISPA to rebuild the infrastructure needed to spread awareness of the critical role of the school psychologist and sustainable systems that maintain access and feedback loops to our important RI School Psychologist community.  We will share more once more information is available. Thank you so much for the important work you do each and every day--particularly during times of increased stress.  Your impact goes far beyond what is outwardly recognized.

H5338 - Bill was introduced February 7, 2025

If this bill passes, starting September 1, 2027, each school system in the state shall employ a minimum of one certified school psychologists, certified by the state department of elementary and secondary education, for every 500 students enrolled in the school.

H5556 - Bill was introduced February 26, 2025

The purpose of this legislation is:

(1)To address the shortage of school psychologists in the State of Rhode Island.

(2) To address the shortage of school psychologists in the higher education pipeline.

(3) To create a pipeline for licensure through the department of health that would allow for independent contracting, educational evaluations, consultation, and other services related to the academic learning process.

(4) To improve the academic, behavioral, and social–emotional well-being of children and youth by increasing access to high quality school-employed mental and behavioral health professionals.

(5) To improve the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional well-being of children and youth by increasing community access to high quality mental and behavioral health professionals who specialize in school psychology, and psycho educational evaluations.

(6) To ensure the state fulfills its obligations to state and federal laws that address students with disabilities, school safety, school climate and social and emotional learning.