Elementary students face a particularly challenging environment today, a mixture of confusion, fear, and ever-changing policies. The good news is that these kids have a precious resource: the elementary school counselor.
These specialists help students in many ways, from emotional support to academics, and are critical members of the school team.
What is an Elementary School Counselor?
Elementary school counselors, also known as elementary guidance counselors, are vital to the climate and operation of school sites. They are educators, skill-builders, and confidants, there for students to interact with and thrive. Students at this age need various forms of direct support, and the elementary school counselor provides this resource every day.
Why are Elementary School Counselors Important?
Schools see the value of these school professionals all the time. Teachers, administrators, service providers, and families benefit from how counselors help young learners on campus. Becoming a school counselor certainly presents the opportunity to support students in an impactful way. Some of the many ways that elementary school counselors contribute include:
Social-Emotional Support
Some children go through intense trauma, while others may want someone to talk to and hear their words. By providing a safe and comfortable environment to interact, counselors can be an excellent resource for kids who need support. They can help kids with problems they have at school or at home, providing the emotional support children need to be successful. Additionally, many families may not afford private counseling sessions – which can be very expensive – making school counselors an outstanding, free alternative.
Academic Support
Besides helping students meet their emotional needs, counselors can offer critical academic support. Counselors help students build confidence, encourage strong study skills, and provide educational support to transition successfully to the next grade. They also work with learners to identify their strengths and weaknesses, giving kids the ability to set realistic goals and achieve success in their education. Elementary school is a crucial, formative time for young learners, and they need to learn effective strategies to develop and flourish in their elementary years and beyond.
Work One–On-One with Students
Counselors can give students their undivided attention, helping individuals reach their optimal outcomes.
Develop Learning Plans
Elementary school counselors develop and implement guidance programs, assessing students, setting goals and objectives, and adjusting as students proceed through the plan.
Personal Development
One of the most essential functions the elementary school counselor provides to students is personal development support. These specialists help kids develop self-esteem and awareness of their unique potential, show learners how to have a positive attitude, and demonstrate maintaining constructive learning environments to ensure personal success.
What Does an Elementary School Counselor Do?
Elementary school counselors perform many activities, each day full of unique and rewarding interactions. They offer guidance not only to students, but also to teachers and parents, providing comprehensive and vital information to various stakeholders. They may interact with parents and families to determine how the child is doing at home, using this information to see if it might impact student performance and behavior at school. Many special needs students require additional support, and these counselors are well-qualified to provide the scaffolding they need. Counselors may notice some students who need extra assistance and recommend appropriate psychological help. All learners have strengths and weaknesses, and counselors can help them capitalize on their strong points and develop their areas of need.
School Counselor Skill
To be a successful elementary school counselor, you need a specific set of skills. Some of these abilities include:
- Strong reading and writing skills: Counselors need to be well-versed in their craft, keeping up to date with the latest best practices. They need to articulate their program well in writing to achieve optimal outcomes.
- Good knowledge of psychology and excellent observation skills to apply this knowledge to children’s behavior: School counselors are experts. They understand antecedents, triggers, and why children behave why they do.
- Approachable and calm disposition so that young children feel comfortable with the counselor: The primary goal of school counseling is to have a warm and inviting environment, so kids feel at ease, and the counselor’s disposition is a vital component.
- Excellent communication skills: Counselors need to work with many different individuals, so they need to communicate clearly and effectively to ensure a successful program.
Closing Thoughts on Being an Elementary School Counselor
Elementary school counselors are crucial to any school site, providing social-emotional and academic support while helping students thrive in their young educational careers. Here at ProCare, we can help schools staff for this dynamic role with our exceptional school staffing services. Come search school counselor jobs on our site and find the ideal position you deserve today!