What The School Psychologist Does

What Does a School Psychologist Do?

School psychologists specialize in how children learn, develop, and behave. We use our knowledge of psychology and education to help students overcome challenges, build on their strengths, and succeed in school. School psychologists work with students, families, and school staff to:

• Support Learning: Help identify and address challenges that may affect academic success.

• Promote Positive Behavior: Develop strategies that help students build important behavioral and self-regulation skills.

• Support Social-Emotional Well-Being: Help students develop skills for managing emotions, building relationships, and making responsible decisions.

• Partner with Families and Teachers: Collaborate to better understand students' needs and identify effective ways to support them in school and at home. You are an important member of your child's educational team, and your insights help us better understand how to support their success.

• Create Supportive Schools: Help develop safe, inclusive, and welcoming learning environments where all students can thrive.

What Does That Look Like At North Ridge?

• Academic and Behavioral Support (Intervention Team)

  • Identifying students' learning and behavioral strengths and needs.

  • Collaborating with teachers to develop and monitor academic/behavioral interventions.

  • Help address challenges that may interfere with learning and school success.

• Social-Emotional, Mental Health, and School Safety

  • Providing individual and small-group counseling.

  • Supporting school safety through intervention and crisis response.

• Psychoeducational Evaluations (Special Education)

  • Conducting comprehensive evaluations to identify students' strengths and educational needs.

  • Collaborating with Exceptional Children (special education) teams to inform eligibility decisions and support the development of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).