WHAT IS THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL COUNSELING PROGRAM?

The elementary school counseling and guidance program is a developmental, child-centered program that encourages students’ social, emotional, academic and personal growth at each stage of development.  The elementary school counselor teaches classroom guidance lessons, counsels students individually, conducts small groups, and consults with parents, teachers, and other professionals.

WHAT ARE THE QUALIFICATIONS OF THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL COUNSELOR?

School counselors must possess a Master’s degree in counseling and must be certified and/or licensed by the state of Maine.

HOW DOES THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL COUNSELOR WORK?

Elementary school counselors are available to students through classroom lessons and  for short-term individual or small group counseling when requested or determined appropriate.  Individual or small group counseling is short-term, voluntary, and confidential.  Students are seen by the counselor when:

Parents request and indicate a need and desire that the counselor meet with their children.
Students request to see the counselor.
Teachers, administrators, or other school staff refer the student.

WHY MIGHT A CHILD SEE THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL COUNSELOR?

Reasons a child may see the elementary school counselor may include:

Help with peer relationships/social skills
Low self-esteem
Worry or anxiety
A family concern, such as parental separation or divorce
Behavioral and/or learning difficulties
Absenteeism
Grief/loss issues
Any other concern that is interfering with the child’s ability to learn