North Rockland CSD
Elementary School Counseling Program
MISSION STATEMENT
The School Counselors of NRCSD will lead their students to greater self awareness of their strengths, interests, abilities and skills to be successful during school and throughout their lifetime. This is achieved by a delivery system across three domains (Academic, Career, and Personal/Social) based on the New York State and National School Counseling Developmental Standards.
THE ROLE OF THE SCHOOL COUNSELOR
The school counselor is a certified professional educator who assists the students, teachers, parents, and administrators by counseling, consulting, and coordinating programs designed to help all students develop their educational, social, career, and personal strengths. In a comprehensive developmental program, the need for school counselors is essential at each level, yet the tasks shift with the developmental changes and needs of our students from one building to the next.
Elementary school counselors are educators uniquely trained in child development, learning strategies, self-management and social skills, who understand and promote success for today’s diverse students. They implement a comprehensive school counseling program to support students through this important developmental period. The program provides education, prevention and intervention activities, which are integrated into all aspects of children’s lives. The program teaches knowledge, attitudes and skills students need to acquire in academic, career and social/emotional development, which serve as the foundation for future success.
School counselors adhere to standards set forth by the American School Counselors Association (ASCA) and the NYS School Counselors Association (NYSSCA).
Article: "The Essential Role of the Elementary School Counselor"
WHAT DOES A SCHOOL COUNSELOR DO?
School Counselors work with ALL students, primarily through classroom lessons, but also in small groups and sometimes individually.
School counselors do not provide therapy. Instead, they work with students to build skills and capacity in the areas of academic, career, and personal/social development. Common topics at the elementary level include making and keeping friends, positive school behaviors and identifying/managing emotions.
School counselors serve as a resource to families who may need additional supports outside of school.
In the past, the title "guidance counselor" was used to describe counselors working in a school. Their role was primarily focused on "guiding" students to post-secondary education and scheduling. Their days were filled with tasks like sending out transcripts, writing letters of recommendation, etc.
The title "school counselor" today recognizes that counselors address the needs of the whole student. They are proactive, data-informed leaders in the school community. Watch these videos to learn more about the difference in roles:
