Why Elementary School Counselors?
Elementary school years set the tone for developing the knowledge, attitudes and skill necessary for children to become healthy, competent and confident learners. Through a comprehensive developmental school counseling program, school counselors work as a team with the school staff, parents and the community to create a caring climate and atmosphere. By providing education, prevention, early identification and intervention, school counselors can help all children achieve academic success. The elementary school counselor holds a master’s degree and required state certification in school counseling. Maintaining certification includes on-going professional development to stay current with education reform and challenges facing today’s students. Professional association membership enhances the school counselor’s knowledge and effectiveness.
Elementary School Counselors Implement the School Counseling Program by Providing:
School Guidance Curriculum
- Academic support, including organizational, study and test-taking skills
- Goal setting and decision-making
- Career awareness, exploration and planning
- Education on understanding self and others
- Peer relationships, coping strategies and effective social skills
- Communication, problem-solving and conflict resolution
- Substance abuse education
- Multicultural/diversity awareness
- Individual student planning
Academic planning
- Goal setting/decision-making
- Education on understanding of self, including strengths and weaknesses
- Transition plans
Responsive Services
- Individual and small-group counseling
- Individual/family/school crisis intervention
- Conflict resolution
- Consultation/collaboration
- Referrals
System Support
- Professional development
- Consultation, collaboration and teaming
- Program management and operation
“Why Elementary School Counselors?” American School Counselors Association. Retrieved 24 April 2016 from www.schoolcounselor.org