In IUSD, elementary schools are staffed with an Elementary Resource Counselor (ERC).
For more information, please refer to the IUSD Department of Prevention and Intervention.
At Culverdale, our ERC supports students and families 5 days each week from 7:30-4:00pm.
Elementary Resource Counselor
Patrick Phanthanusorn, a.k.a. "Mr. P"
PatrickPhanthanusorn@iusd.org
(949) 936-8614
INTERACTIVE COUNSELING LINKS
Invitation to Check-In with Mr. P
(student form)
Invitation to Check-In with Mr. P
(parent or guardian form)
During summer break, contact the Department of Prevention & Intervention at (949) 936-7501 .
Mental Health/Wellness Services and Resources:
The District provides school-based mental health/wellness services and resources (www.iusd.org/WeCare or https://iusd.org/department/mental-health-wellness to students and families. These services include short-term individual or group counseling for students at the school site; short-term, solution-focused therapy for students and families through the Irvine Family Resource Center; and resource linkages to community-based mental health or social services for students and families. Services are provided by counselors or licensed mental health professionals.
ZONES OF REGULATION - all students
Starting in 2021-2022, all staff and students use the Zones of Regulation chart and strategies to actively practice self-awareness and self-regulation. You'll find this chart in each classroom and in common areas on campus. For more information, click here.
Individual and small group counseling
The Elementary Resource Counseling program is designed to provide opportunities for students to participate in individual and small group counseling experiences that provide support and skill-building for coping with family stressors, academic struggles, and personal issues. It is not unusual for students to need focused help to strengthen their social-emotional skills in order to be more learning ready during different times in their childhood. Many children struggle from time to time with a range of family and life circumstances (divorce, loss, stress) that make coming to school more difficult, and we are here to offer tools and support. Small group and individual counseling can be an excellent way for students to learn new skills, develop self-confidence, adjust behaviors, and learn to deal with challenges in healthy ways.
Services are provided during the school day for approximately 30 minutes. These services are free of charge and voluntary. Every effort will be made to minimize the loss of important instructional time. Please Note: Information shared by your child in counseling sessions will be kept confidential unless there is an indication that your child is in danger of hurting himself/herself or others, that someone may be hurting your child, or if there is intent to cause significant property damage.
second step program
The Elementary Guidance Assistant Program is designed to offer social-emotional learning to students during their school day using an evidence-based social-emotional classroom curriculum called Second Step. Second Step is designed to teach children how to understand and manage their emotions, control their reactions, be aware of others’ feelings, and have the skills to problem solve and make responsible decisions. These lessons will increase students learning-readiness and help them to move ahead successfully in school. Guidance Assistants are trained para-professional staff and are assigned at each of IUSD’s K-6 school sites to teach Second Step in the classroom and provide small-group workshops for children who would benefit from additional support. Students with parent permission may participate in “TOOLBOX” groups, the small group workshops, which are a series of once-a-week, 30-45 minute small group lessons during the school day. Groups usually last for 10-12 weeks.
One of the ways our school supports the social-emotional development of your child is by explicitly teaching your child social-emotional skills in the classroom using Second Step, an evidence-based social-emotional learning program. In addition, our Guidance Assistant (GA) provides students with additional opportunities to practice these skills in a small group setting.
Services are provided during the school day, once a week for approximately 30 minutes. These services are free of charge and voluntary. Every effort will be made to minimize the loss of important instructional time. Please Note: Information shared by your child will be kept confidential unless there is an indication that your child is in danger of hurting himself/herself or others, that someone may be hurting your child, or if there is an intent to cause significant property damage. If you have any further questions, please contact the classroom teacher or your Elementary Resource Counseling Specialist.
what is social emotional learning (sel)?
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is the process through which children and adults acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, establish and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships and make responsible decisions. (Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning, CASEL)
Irvine Unified School District and Culverdale Elementary School support the social-emotional development of your child. We understand the foundation SEL provides for safe and positive learning, which enhances student’s ability to succeed in school, careers, and life.
Parent resources
Please find articles related to your child's well-being and social and emotional development listed here. Should you need further support or information, please contact Mr. Phanthanusorn at (949) 936-5658 or email him at this link.
10 Tips for Raising Grateful Kids
Tips for Creating a Coping Skills Toolbox
Tips for Building Healthy Friendships
Tips for Setting Healthy Boundaries
Connecting Through Communication
"Speak Up, We Care" Campaign Resource Page
Community Resources
Children’s Support and Parenting Program (CSPP) Services:
Psychoeducation groups for parents and caregivers with school-aged children.
(714) 480-4678 | www.ochealthinfo.com
The Prevention Center Services:
Parenting programs including parenting workshops, helping kids cope through divorce, and parenting resources.
(714) 543-4333 | www.BrightFutures4Kids.org
Didi Hirsch Mental Health Center:
Santa Ana Services: Crisis line, outreach and survivor support services for family members of a person who committed suicide.
(714) 547-0855 | www.didihirsch.org/orange-county
OCHCA Behavioral Health Services
Behavioral Health Services provides programs available to Orange County residents seeking mental health and substance use treatment.
(714) 834-2077 | www.ochealthinfo.com/bhs
Greater Good Science Center – UC Berkeley
Uses scientific measures to study the psychology, sociology, and neuroscience of well-being, and teaches skills that foster a thriving, resilient, and compassionate society. www.greatergood.berkeley.edu
Community Mental Health Resources:
A brochure with resources on Substance Abuse, LGBTQIA Services, Shelters, Hotlines & Online Resources, Culturally Centered Services, Parenting Resources, Community Resources, Intensive Mental Health Services, Suicide Prevention, Housing Resources, and Legal Resources
District resources
Irvine Family Resource Center Services:
Short-term, solution-focused individual and family therapy, resource linkage and referrals, and parent education/support groups to IUSD families K-12.
(949) 936-7504 | https://iusd.org/about/departments/education-services/student-support-services/mental-health-and-wellness/irvine
Prevention and Intervention Brochure
A brochure which provides a brief overview of Prevention and Intervention staff and contact information. iusd.org/WeCare