School Psychology Services in the Hanover Public School District
What is a School Psychologist?
School Psychologists have specialized training in both psychology and education. They use their training and skills to team with educators, students, parents, administrators, and other professionals to ensure that every child learns in a safe, healthy, and supportive environment. School Psychologists understand school systems, effective teaching, and successful learning. They can provide solutions for tomorrow's problems through thoughtful and positive actions today.
What training does a School Psychologist have?
The training requirements to become a School Psychologist are a minimum of 60 graduate semester hours, including a year-long internship. This training emphasizes preparation in educational interventions, child development, learning, behavior, motivation, curriculum, instruction, behavioral and academic assessment, consultation, collaboration, school law, and school systems.
What do School Psychologists do?
Consultation
Give healthy and effective alternatives to teachers, parents and administrators about problems in learning and behavior
Help others understand child development and how it affects learning and behavior
Assessment
Use a wide variety of techniques at an individual, group, and systems level to evaluate
Academic Skills
Learning Aptitudes
Social-emotional development
Social Skills
Adaptive skills
Functional behavioral skills
Learning environments and school climate
Eligibility for special education
Intervention
Work directly with children and families
Help solve conflicts and problems in learning and adjustment
Support social skills training, behavior managemet, and other strategies
Help families and schools deal with crises, such as separation and loss
Prevention
Identify potential learning difficulties
Work with teachers, specialists, and others to design programs for children at risk of failure
Assist parents and teachers with behavior management principles for hleping children and youth with disruptive behavior
Help foster tolerance, understanding and appreciation of diversity in the school community
Education
Offer training to teachers and staff on topics of interest based on school needs, such as ADHD, Crisis intervention procedures, and behavior management support
Hold membership on a number of school based support teams such as SAP, Student Support Teams, IEP meetings
What should I do if I have concerns about my child?
Please start by contacting your child's teacher and the building principal to discuss your concerns.