"The elementary school years set the foundation for developing the knowledge, attitudes and skills necessary for children to become healthy, competent and confident learners. Elementary school counselors have an impact on these years by implementing a school counseling program and collaborating with school staff, parents and the community to create a safe and respectful learning environment. By providing education, prevention, early identification and intervention, elementary school counselors help their students achieve academic success, develop an understanding of career opportunities and develop social/emotional skills in response to the issues they face. Elementary school counselors hold a master's degree and required state certification in school counseling. Maintaining certification includes ongoing professional development to stay current with education reform and challenges facing today's students."
-American School Counseling Association
Classroom lessons (tier 1)
"The role of the elementary school counselor is to implement a program where the main focus is prevention. Therefore, the majority of a school counselor's time is spent providing support at the Tier 1 level. Through a whole school, universal approach, elementary school counselors ensure they reach 100% of students." -Elementary Utah College and Career Readiness School Counseling Program
I reach 100% of the student population by teaching classroom character education classes. This year we will be focusing on self-mastery, which is part of the district's Social-Emotional Wellness framework. This year the focus is on how to build resilience, so monthly lessons will include: Regulating Emotions, Positive Self-Talk, Empathy & Perspective Taking, Self-Confidence, Building Social Skills, and Problem Solving. Each class also receives a lesson on how to use the Wellness Room.
Group counseling (Tier 2)
Small groups are a great way for students to meet others who share common concerns. Students can know they are not alone with their feelings and experiences. Groups are a safe place for students to learn self-awareness and communication skills. Group counseling is short-term.
Individual counseling (tier 3)
Students may be referred for short-term individual counseling (4-6 visits) when extra support is necessary for a student to feel safe, learn and grow at school. School counselors are not therapists and do not diagnose, but provide counseling that is focused on skill building. Examples are: teaching coping skills, friendship skills, social skills. School counselors can provide information about resources when additional support is needed for a student.
Some reasons to see the school counselor
Anxiety, Stress, Friendship Issues, Family Changes, Social Skills, Emotion Regulation, Grief, Conflict Resolution, Student Skills, Transitions (to 1st grade of middle school), Suicide Ideation, Self-Harm