The CKCIE school psychologist' s task is to serve the educational and mental health interests of all children and youth. School psychologists make important contributions to the social, emotional and academic development of students by serving as advocates for good mental health and safe and supportive learning environments. Working as partners with parents, educators and fellow mental health professionals, school psychologists help students reach optimal levels of achievement and well-being.
School psychologists work to find the best solution for each child and each situation. School psychologists use many different strategies to address individual student needs, as well as enhance systems that support students on the school building and district-wide levels. They lower barriers to healthy learning and behavior through:
Intervention to help children and youth overcome mental health problems.
Help families and schools deal with crisis and loss
Work directly with children and families to address barriers to academic and social success
Help students develop skills to solve conflicts and problems independently
Teach students social skills, self-management, and coping strategies
Consult with teachers on classroom interventions
Prevention/Early Intervention to prevent or minimize the occurrence of mental health problems.
Work with parents and educators to create positive school environments
Increase awareness of mental health stressors and strategies
Teach parents and educators skills to address behavior problems
Screen for mental health and learning problems
Develop suicide awareness and prevention programs
Develop school-wide programs to prevent bullying and aggression
Foster tolerance and understanding of diversity
Assessment/Diagnosis to provide accurate information on the nature of a child' s problem and the best approach to address it. School psychologists use individual, group, and systems level tools to evaluate:
Psychological and social competence
Personality and emotional development
Academic skills and learning aptitudes
School climate related to positive behaviors and learning
Effectiveness of intervention strategies
Consultation/Case Management to promote more effective, coordinated support for children' s mental health needs.
Advocate for the needs of individual students both within and outside of the school setting
Help teachers and parents understand and effectively address a child' s problem
Help families access community resources
Facilitate coordination between parents, schools, and community services
Establish and review outcomes of interventions
Adjust strategies to improve outcomes
Advocacy/Interagency Collaboration to promote research-based public policies and programs that improve academic and social outcomes for children and youth.
Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with community mental health services
Develop coordinated school/community crisis response
Consult with policymakers on and advocate for mental health and education legislation
Seek funding for integrated school/community services
Link research-based practices to mental health policies and programs
Provide in-service training for parents, educators, and community members
For more information, contact:
National Association of School Psychologists
4340 East West Highway, Suite 402
Bethesda, MD 20814
Voice: (301) 657-0270
Fax: (301) 657-0275
TDD: (301) 657-4155
Web: www.nasponline.org
Online Resource from the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP):
School Psychology: A Career That Makes a Difference
http://www.nasponline.org/about_sp/careerbrouchure.pdf