What Does a School Counselor Do?

An Elementary School Counselor is a certified professional who works within a child's total school environment to assist him/her in addressing his/her academic, behavioral, emotional and social needs. We work with students, teachers, staff, parents and community members to advocate for and empower students.

What an Elementary School Counselor does

1. Serves as a "friendly helper" for ALL students, working with students on an individual basis & in small groups

2. Facilitates classroom guidance and counseling sessions, helps identify student needs, & assists in the assessment of students with special needs

3. Works with the Intervention Team, groups of professionals that review, develop and help to implement appropriate interventions for at-risk students

4. Oversees Character Education initiatives at the elementary level, following guidance from the counseling department

5. Consults with parents, teachers, administrators, and community agencies and aids in coordinating referrals to outside agencies

6. Assists student and parents with Middle School registration

How a Counselor can help

The School Counselor can provide support services to address several issues, including (though certainly not limited to) the following:

• Anger Management

• Anxiety

• Behavior Modification

• Conflict Resolution

• Coping Skills

• Divorce/Changing Families

• Friendship Skills

• Grief and Loss

• Parenting Skills

• Self-Esteem

• Social Skills

• Stress Management

Referrals to a Counselor

Students can see the Elementary Counselor via a self-referral, parental request, and/or teacher or administrative referral.