As a school counselor, I help children work through normal developmental issue and teach them skills that will help them throughout life. The counselor's job is to help students do their personal best to be able to learn. School counseling services are available to all students. Services include individual counseling, small group counseling, classroom guidance, consultation, collaboration and coordination.
The counselor helps students and parents by
Talking with students individually when they are worried, upset, sad, angry, proud, or just need a friend. Students can ask to see the counselor. Parents, teachers, or other staff members may request that the counselor see the student. However, no student is required to talk with the counselor. Such counseling is normally short term in nature. Counseling is a confidential relationship and these services are not documented in a child's school file.
Working with small groups of students who have similar concerns.
Teaching classroom guidance lessons as developed for each grade level according to the county curriculum.
Consulting with teachers and/or parents as needed to find ways to help students with problems that may interfere with learning.
Providing referrals to community resources for parents and students when necessary.