Frequently Asked Questions about School Counseling
Are you a member of the Child Study Team?
No. However, I consult and work very closely with the CST on numerous different projects and cases.
How is the role of the school counselor different from what the Child Study Team does?
If there is a concern that a child may have a disability that affects his/her learning, the Child Study Team (CST) can provide a comprehensive evaluation to determine eligibility of students for special education and related services. The CST consists of a learning consultant, school psychologist, and social worker. Although I often work closely with the CST, my role as a school counselor is to provide all students with a developmental guidance program to enhance academic achievementand personal/social growth.
Will my child miss class to speak with you?
Not necessarily. Frequently, meetings take place at lunch. However, if this is not possible, every effort is made to coordinate convenient times with the classroom teacher.
If my child participates in a lunch group with you, should I be concerned that there is a problem?
Not necessarily. The counseling program at Riverside is designed to benefit ALL students. MWe often run fun "lunch bunch" groups where students come in small groups for lunch, to chat and to play games. During these sessions, they are building connections with new and different friends while working indirectly on key social skills.
Are there any limitations to the services the school counselor can provide?
Although sthe chool counselor helps many children, there are sometimes severe emotional issues or significant family crises that may require intensive individual and/or family counseling. I can provide a list of community mental health resources to assist you in choosing an outside clinician.
How might my child see you?
Referrals to the school counselor come from a variety of sources, including but not limited to:
· Teacher
· Principal
· School nurse
· Intervention & Referral Services Committee (I&RS)
· Child Study Team
· Parent(s)/Guardian(s)
Please feel free to give me a call at any time to discuss concerns you are having regarding your child's academic, social, and/or emotional health.
Are you a member of the Child Study Team?
No. However, I consult and work very closely with the CST on numerous different projects and cases.
How is the role of the school counselor different from what the Child Study Team does?
If there is a concern that a child may have a disability that affects his/her learning, the Child Study Team (CST) can provide a comprehensive evaluation to determine eligibility of students for special education and related services. The CST consists of a learning consultant, school psychologist, and social worker. Although I often work closely with the CST, my role as a school counselor is to provide all students with a developmental guidance program to enhance academic achievementand personal/social growth.
Will my child miss class to speak with you?
Not necessarily. Frequently, meetings take place at lunch. However, if this is not possible, every effort is made to coordinate convenient times with the classroom teacher.
If my child participates in a lunch group with you, should I be concerned that there is a problem?
Not necessarily. The counseling program at Riverside is designed to benefit ALL students. MWe often run fun "lunch bunch" groups where students come in small groups for lunch, to chat and to play games. During these sessions, they are building connections with new and different friends while working indirectly on key social skills.
Are there any limitations to the services the school counselor can provide?
Although sthe chool counselor helps many children, there are sometimes severe emotional issues or significant family crises that may require intensive individual and/or family counseling. I can provide a list of community mental health resources to assist you in choosing an outside clinician.
How might my child see you?
Referrals to the school counselor come from a variety of sources, including but not limited to:
· Teacher
· Principal
· School nurse
· Intervention & Referral Services Committee (I&RS)
· Child Study Team
· Parent(s)/Guardian(s)
Please feel free to give me a call at any time to discuss concerns you are having regarding your child's academic, social, and/or emotional health.