What does an elementary school counselor do?

• Helps students develop a positive attitude toward school and learning
• Helps students develop good relationships with peers, parents, teachers, and siblings
• Helps students improve their communication skills and develop effective decision-making strategies
• Helps students deal with personal concerns, developmental tasks, crises, school related problems, home concerns, health, and physical development
• Helps ease the transitions between school settings
• Plans and implements with teachers a program of activities designed to enhance the personal social/emotional development of elementary students

How does the student see the counselor?

• Self referral
• Teacher referral
• Parent referral
• Administrative referral
• Special services referral
• Referral by  friend

Why have small group meetings and classroom guidance?

• To help students develop personal understanding and self-awareness
• To enhance self-confidence and self-esteem
• To encourage students to recognize and make the best use of their capabilities
• To provide opportunities for students to feel successful
• To give students opportunities to talk about educational, personal, and social concerns
• To encourage students to recognize, understand, and work through learning difficulties
• To help students better adjust to school and home environments