SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS Helping children achieve their best. In school. At home. In life. National Association of School Psychologists

Your School Psychology Team:

School psychologists believe that all children learn when given: Adequate supports and resources Recognition of their individual needs Connection to and trust in adults Opportunities to achieve Acceptance and encouragement Cooperation between school and home

School psychologists: Are uniquely positioned to prepare students to meet the demands of the world in which they live Have specialized training in both psychology and education which extends their expertise far beyond the most familiar roles of conducting evaluations to determine special education eligibility Can support the social, emotional, and academic learning goals of all students and can provide services that impact learning at the individual, small group, classroom, building, or school district level

School psychologists: Collaborate with teachers, administrators, parents, other school specialists and other health professionals to ensure that every child learns in a safe, healthy, support environment Are mandated participants in the follow evaluations/MET’s: –Specific learning disability –Cognitive impairment –Autism spectrum disorder –Emotional impairment

School Psychologists link mental health to learning and behavior to promote: High academic achievement Positive social skills and behavior Healthy relationships and connectedness Tolerance and respect for others Competence, self-esteem, and resiliency

Why Children Need School Psychologists Learning difficulties Behavior concerns Fears about war, violence, terrorism Problems at home or with peers Depression and other mental health issues Attention problems Poverty Diversity, cultural and language barriers

What Do School Psychologists Do?

Assessment School psychologists work with children, parents and staff to help determine a child’s: Academic skills Learning aptitudes and styles Personality and emotional development Social skills and behavior issues Learning environments, school climate Special education eligibility

Consultation Help teachers, parents, and administrators understand child development and learning Provide positive alternatives for helping children with learning and behavior problems Strengthen working relationships among educators, parents, and community services

Prevention Implement programs to build positive connections between students and adults Identify potential learning difficulties early Design programs for children at risk Help adults to address problem behavior(s) Foster tolerance and appreciation of diversity Create safe, supportive learning environments

Intervention Work face-to-face with children and families Develop individualized solutions for learning and adjustment Plan and implement crisis response Provide –Counseling –Social skills training –Behavior management solutions

Education Train teachers and parents in: Teaching and learning strategies Parenting techniques Classroom management techniques Working with exceptional students Strategies to address substance abuse and risky behaviors Crisis prevention and response

Research and Program Development Recommend and implement evidence- based programs and strategies Generate new knowledge of learning and behavior Evaluate effectiveness of programs and interventions Contribute to school-wide reform and restructuring

Mental Health Care Deliver school-based mental health services Coordinate with community resources and health care providers Partner with parents and teachers to create healthy school environments

Advocacy NASP and state professional associations are dedicated to advocacy School Psychologists Encourage: Appropriate education placements Education reform Legislative involvement Community services and programs Funding for adequate resources

Examples of efforts in our schools:

School psychologists help prevent bullying Develop and institute school-wide prevention programs/codes of conduct Train students on conflict resolution and social problem solving Educate teachers to recognize warning signs and intervene immediately Work individually with students who are victims or bullies

School psychologists help prevent and respond to crises Collaborate with school staff and district administration to develop a comprehensive crisis response plan Help identify those who are most distressed and need interventions or referrals Provide training on effective coping skills Offer group and family interventions Provide follow-counseling/support after a crisis Offer information and referrals for those who need further help

School psychologists promote cultural competence Provide students culturally and linguistically appropriate assessment and intervention services Understand how cultural issues relate to mental health and learning Respect and respond to children’s diverse needs Support culturally and linguistically appropriate communications with parents

School Psychology Assignments:

To contact your school psychologists: