What+Does+a+Counselor+Do?


 * WHAT DOES THE COUNSELOR DO?**

The elementary school counselor serves the needs of all elementary students, to help them develop academically, socially, and emotionally. The school counselor's role is constantly changing, reflecting the needs of the many people in our school community; children, parents, teachers, and administrators. A variety of services are provided. Elementary school counselors meet individually with students to provide support for school-related issues. The counseling strategies vary with each student's needs and are provided on a short-term basis as determined by the school counselor. Students can be referred by parents, teachers, or other school staff. Elementary school counselors meet with small groups of students on various topics. Topics are determined by the children's needs and interests. Frequent group topics include: Elementary counselors present scheduled classroom lessons to all students in kindergarten through fifth grades. The lessons consist of conflict resolution, anti-bullying strategies, and friendship making skills. School counselors, parents, and teachers work together to support children. Elementary school counselors work with parents: Elementary school counselors work with teachers, administrators, and other staff: Parents should feel free to contact the counselor when they notice certain signs or changes in their child.
 * __INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING SERVICES__**
 * __GROUP COUNSELING SERVICES__**
 * Friendship and self-esteem
 * Separation and Divorce
 * Grief and Loss
 * Anger Management
 * Substance/Physical Abuse
 * Families in Crisis
 * __CLASSROOM GUIDANCE LESSONS__**
 * __CONSULTATION__**
 * To exchange and gather information
 * To provide recommendations; and
 * To discuss parenting concerns
 * To provide information, materials, and referral assistance
 * To address student needs
 * To promote a positive learning environment
 * __IS IT TIME TO SPEAK WITH THE COUNSELOR?__**
 * You see a dramatic change in your child's behaviors
 * There's been a change in your family. A new marriage, a severe illness, a divorce or a new baby can all effect school work.
 * Your child begins acting out and fails to respond to your methods of discipline. The behavior that you see at home may also be occurring at school.