Why do schools have elementary school counselors?
The American School Counselor Association describes the role of the elementary school counselor in developing the skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary for our children to become healthy, productive adults. With a comprehensive developmental counseling program, counselors work as a team with students, parents and community to create a caring atmosphere whereby childrens’ needs are met through prevention, early identification and intervention. Early identification and intervention of children’s problems are essential to change some of the current statistics regardings self-destructive behaviors. For many children, the school counselor is a person within the school building who creates an atmosphere of safety, trust and positive regard. Elementary School Counselors: • Implement effective classroom guidance focusing on understanding of self and others, coping strategies, peer relationships and social skills, communication, problem-solving, decision-making, conflict resolution, study s
