DSS Social Worker

Welcome to my website.  My name is Jodi Clark and I am a Baltimore County DSS worker placed at Dundalk Elementary School.  My position is grant funded through a partnership with the Baltimore County Board of Education and the Baltimore County Local Management Board.  The primary goal of the program is to improve attendance and reduce truancy at Dundalk Elementary School.  Secondary goals include supporting Dundalk Elementary School with additional concrete resources, support services, and providing referrals to community and DSS resources for students and families and consultation to school faculty and staff. 

DSS school-based social workers are unique in their ability to work within both the child welfare system and the educational system.  This position provides a wide spectrum of school and home-based social work services to children and families identified by the Student Services Team as needing intervention because of attendance issues which interfere with school success and family stability.  These services are provided year-round.

This is my second year at Dundalk Elementary School.  I have enjoyed getting to know the students and families as well as the incredibly supportive school staff. 

Below are some links to answer some frequently asked questions as well as the Maryland State Compulsory Attendance Law and the attendance brochure for Baltimore County Public Schools.  If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at the school.  I can be reached at 410-887-7014.

Attendance Brochure www.bcps.org/offices/sss/brochures/attendance-brochure.pdf

Maryland State Compulsory Attendance Law

Why attendance is critical to school success?

What has research on good attendance shown?

My child is sick, should I send him to school or keep him home?

What is an excused absence?

How can I improve my child’s attendance?