Listed below are responses to some of the most frequently asked questions about school counseling services.
If you have any further questions, concerns, or would like to provide feedback, feel free to contact me at lakeishajerome@ccusd.org.
Please complete the Needs Assessment Form in order to provide helpful information about how the school counseling program can best serve your student.
Who can refer a student for counseling?
Any El Rincon staff member (teacher, administrator, resource teacher, school psychologist, etc.) or parent/guardian can refer a student for counseling. Students may also submit self-referrals.
2. Why would an elementary school student need counseling?
Students are referred for counseling for various reasons:
Academic or personal challenges
When a student's issues are interfering with their academic work or personal life
Mental health
When a student is struggling with anxiety, anger, sadness, or other emotions that disrupt their daily activities and/or routines, etc.
Social development
When a student could benefit from developing social skills - learning how to get along with others, follow rules, practice empathy, etc.
Disruptive behavior
When a student's behavior is causing concern or disrupting the learning of others (e.g., behaviors disruptive to instruction or cause safety risks to self and/or others, etc.)
A teacher may consider a referral if they feel uncomfortable helping a student or if the student's issues are beyond their expertise. Parents may also refer students for counseling.
First, a student, staff member, or parent contacts the school counselor about a concern. After further consultation with parent/guardian and/or the teacher, and it has been determined that the student should receive school counseling services, the school counselor will agree to conduct school counseling services.
A student may also be referred for counseling by the school counselor if a student's social emotional survey (i.e. SAEBRS) identifies him/her/they as "at risk".
Second, a school counseling referral is submitted. (The information in the referral form helps the school counselor determine what needs to be addressed and scheduling.)
Then, a school counseling consent form is sent to the parent or guardian. (School counseling services will not continue beyond one session until the consent form is returned - even when a school counseling referral has been submitted.)
4. What takes place during a school counseling session?
Students engage in lesson activities that cater to their academic, social, and/or emotional needs. Some activities include games, videos, discussions, producing art, and so much more! Depending on need/availability, students may participate in a small groups with two to four participants, or individually.
Sessions last up to 30 minutes (depending on age) and can take place from 1-8 sessions. The first 1-2 sessions can involve rapport building.
Students can also receive counseling when in crisis, for trauma related situations, for mediation/restorative action.
5. Where do school counseling sessions take place?
School counseling services primarily takes place in the Family Center (Room 8).
6. When do school counseling sessions take place?
School counseling sessions take place during WIN (i.e. "What I Need") - a special time all grade level teachers use for smaller group/individualized academic intervention. It is also the time students may receive indiviual services from other support staff (e.g., reading/math interventionists).
Oftentimes, sessions may also take place during lunch and/or PE.
Special circumstances may require some school counseling sessions to take place during instruction.
7. Can I make an appointment to see the school counselor to discuss concerns about my student?
Yes. You can meet with the school counselor to discuss concerns about your student. Click here to set up an appointment.
8. Is school counseling mandatory?
No, school counseling services are not mandatory. Although school counseling is a part of a tiered level of support, it may/may not be offered based on a referral or need. Small group counseling is known as Tier 2 intervention, which is provided by the school counselor, but it could also include check-in/check-out (CICO), small group counseling, Lunch Bunch, structured recess/peer modeling, self-monitoring plans (e.g., visual checklists), and restorative circles. Tier 3 interventions may include individual counseling, which may also be facilitated by a school-based mental health counselor (therapist) and/or a school psychologist. Tier 3 support can also include wrap-around services (i.e. outside mental health support) and crisis de-escalation plans. Such plans may be required upon return from hopsitalization, suspension, and after a risk assessment evaluation. In any case, students may decline services - even if parents/guardians have provided consent. Parents/Guardians will always be notified of services offered and if students decline.
9. Can I request counseling services that extend beyond school counseling services for my student?
Yes. School-based counseling services are short-term - being provided for 6-8 sessions per individual and group session for the school year. Students needing mental health services beyond school counseling may be referred to outside mental health health services.
10. Can I decline school counseling services for my student?
Yes. Parents/guardians may decline school counseling services, which would be indicated on the consent form you would receive if your student receives an invitation to attend a session.
