How Elementary School Counselors Help

About Elementary School Counselors

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 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. Professional association membership enhances the school counselor’s knowledge and effectiveness.

Source: American School Counselor Association

How We Help

Individual & Group

Counseling

School counselors provide short-term counseling and crisis interventions to students who need support.

Some examples of why a student would speak to a counselor are:

Noticeable changes in behavior
Student has experienced trauma
Persistent agitation
Student is socially isolated
Friendship issues
Family changes
Anxiety and depression
Suicidal thoughts

Classroom

Guidance

School Counselors are mental health professionals AND educators. We provide classroom lessons on a regular basis to support social-emotional, academic, and behavioral skills.

Lessons may include topics such as:

Safety
Friendships
Organization & time management
Setting goals
Character building
Hygiene
Social skills

Mental Health

Referrals

Metcalfe has an onsite mental health counselor and social worker providing services to our students. If needed, students may be referred to one of these professionals.

We can also refer students to other mental health agencies, such as:

CDS Family and Behavioral Health
Child Advocacy Center
Meridian Behavioral Health
Step by Step Behavioral Health
UF Health Child Psychiatry
Village Counseling Center

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