Developmental Needs of the Elementary School Student:

Elementary school is a time when students develop attitudes concerning school, self, peers, social groups, and family. It is a time when students develop decision-making, communication, life training skills, and character values.

Comprehensive developmental counseling is based on prevention and providing goals which are integrated into all aspects of children’s lives. Early identification and intervention of children’s problems are essential to change some of the current statistics regarding self-destructive behaviors. If we wait until children are in middle or high school to address these problems, we lose the opportunity to help them achieve their potential, as well as helping them to feel dignity and self-worth.

For many children, the school counselor may be the one person who provides an atmosphere of safety, trust and positive regard.

Elementary school counselors implement classroom lessons focusing on:

• understanding self and others

• coping strategies

• peer relationships and effective social skills

• communication, problem-solving, decision-making, conflict resolution and study skills

• substance education

• multicultural awareness

Elementary Counselors provide individual and small group counseling dealing with:

• self-image and self-esteem

• personal adjustment

• interpersonal concerns

• academic development

• behavior modification

• peer facilitation and peer mediation

Elementary Counselors also:

• work with specialized populations and that require special attention, such as culturally diverse populations and students of varying abilities

• provide consultation with parents, teachers, administrators, school psychologist, and outside agencies concerning the welfare of students

• make appropriate referrals for special services for students and families within the school and community

• communicate and exchange information with parents/guardians by way of conferences, parent education and newsletters

• participate as members of the Student Based Intervention Team

Elementary school years set the tone for developing the skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary for children to become healthy, productive adults.

With a comprehensive developmental counseling program, counselors work as a team with school, parents and community to create a caring atmosphere whereby children’s needs are met through prevention, early identification, and intervention.

*Information provided by the American School Counseling Association. www.schoolcounselor.org