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 professional 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 Collaborate with:

Parents
Parent education 
Communication/networking 
Academic planning 
Family conflict resolution
One-on-one parent conferencing 
Interpretation of assessment results

Teachers
Classroom guidance activities 
Academic support, including learning style assessment and education to help students succeed academically 
Classroom speakers 
At-risk student identification and implementation of interventions to enhance success

Administrators
School climate 
Behavioral management plans 
School-wide needs assessments 
Student data and results 
Student assistance team building

Students
Peer education 
Peer support 
Academic support 
Crisis interventions 
Referrals 

Excerpts from the American School Counselor Association website.