What is School Counseling?
The Role of an Elementary School Counselor
In elementary school, students begin to understand themselves as learners. They're developing competence and self-confidence, and decision-making and communication skills. They're also developing character values and attitudes about school, family, peers, social groups and self.
Elementary school counselors support this development by providing a comprehensive program based on education and prevention lessons and goals that are integrated into all aspects of children's lives. The program teaches the knowledge, skills and mindsets and behaviors students need for success academically, socially/emotionally and in their exploration of careers and post-high school endeavors.
Three Counseling Domains
In keeping with our current national, state, and county counseling standards, all classroom lessons will be based on three main developmental areas:
ACADEMIC: This domain includes topics that maximize a student's readiness to learn. It stresses habits of successful students, listening skills, time management, learning styles, and standardized test-taking strategies.
CAREER: At the elementary level, this domain emphasizes self-discovery and awareness of the world of work. Students are encouraged to consider their own preferences, strengths, and attitudes and the extent to which those will influence career choices. Exposure to the vast array of career opportunities is also essential when considering future choices.
PERSONAL/SOCIAL: This domain addresses personal growth in a social context, coping strategies, managing emotions, self-control, problem-solving, and goal setting. Violence/Bullying Prevention and assertiveness training are important components, as well as friendship skills, conflict resolution, working in small and larger groups, and leadership skills.
Elementary School Counselors ...
...work as a team with school staff, parents, and community to create a caring atmosphere so children's needs are met through prevention, early identification, and intervention.
...allow for the opportunity for children, parents, and teachers to request services if students are experiencing academic, social, behavioral, or personal difficulties at school.
...provide services including individual and group counseling sessions (which require parent permission for planned programs), classroom guidance lessons, and parent/community and staff consultation.
Elementary School Counselors do not ...
...provide long-term counseling or psychotherapy. We DO have referral information for this kind of intervention with outside counseling services.
...scrutinize or attempt to change students' religious beliefs, cultural values, or family values. School counselors actually promote parent-child communication, support diversity, and encourage acceptance for all.
...prioritize counseling over instruction, unless the student is in crisis and they are unable to access lessons or required tasks.