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. 

Numerous studies demonstrate the value of school counseling for students in the domains of academic development, college and career readiness and social/ emotional development.

 Results of research about the effectiveness of school counseling can be found at schoolcounselor.org/effectiveness. THE ASCA NATIONAL MODEL: A FRAMEWORK FOR SCHOOL COUNSELING For more information about school counseling programs based on the ASCA National Model, go to  schoolcounselor.org/ascanationalmodel

(From: https://lcps.k12.va.us/cms/one.aspx?portalId=179613&pageId=515318 )

School counseling services are provided from primary to secondary educational settings. The program objectives fall into three domains: Educational, Personal/Social, and Career. The educational focus involves the knowledge of academic abilities and educational needs and interests. The personal/social involves the development of an awareness of self and others. The career domain involves the understanding of present and future life roles. These objectives are implemented through developmentally appropriate activities ranging from classroom activities; individual counseling; consultation with parents/guardians, and school personnel; and coordination with community agencies.

Some of the basic school counselor responsibilities include providing counseling to students and support for parents, assisting with behavioral management and training when needed, providing support for teachers with regard to students and their emotional issues, providing crisis intervention and threat evaluation, scheduling students, helping to coordinate state testing, and coordinating outreach programs such as food backpacks, Breakfast Buddies, Stuff the Bus, and Santa Council.

Ways to refer:

• A child may refer themselves.

• A teacher may refer a student.

• A parent may refer his/her child.

• A staff person at the school can refer a student.

Reasons for a referral.

• You have concerns with your child's attitude toward school.

• You have concerns with your child's academic growth.

• You have concerns with your child's relationships with peers at school.

• You have concerns with your child's personal development.

• You have concerns with your child's reactions to changes within the family that may be effecting his/her learning at school.

***Please remember that Individual School Counseling is brief in nature. If more than a few sessions are needed, an outside agency referral will be discussed.