School psychologists work with individuals, within schools and within school districts to provide support, consultation, and aid in the development of various programs.
What Is A School Psychologist?
School psychologists are professionals who possess skills and knowledge in the areas of child and adolescent development, principles of learning and behaviour, individual differences, social/emotional/academic interventions, assessment and program planning. School Psychologists typically work for school boards or in private practice.
What Do School Psychologists Do?
For Individuals
• Consultation & program planning with students, parents, & teachers
• Individual psycho-educational assessment
• Individual counselling and therapy
• Skill development (e.g. social skills, anger management)
• Transition planning across a variety of educational stages
Within Schools
• Liaison with school learning teams
• Collaboration with school staff to support inclusive environments
• Prevention and intervention programs for a positive school environment
• Professional development on current research and best practices
• Debriefing and counselling students and staff following a traumatic event
Within School Districts
• Development, implementation and evaluation of district-wide screening and assessment programs
• Development, implementation and evaluation of district-wide intervention programs
• Provision of district in-service training on various topics
How can a school psychologist help you meet your priorities for your child’s education? Boost your school’s success? Help to make your school district an exemplar in educational excellence? Find out who the school psychologists are in your area, invite them to a parent-council meeting – they want to hear from you!
WRITTEN BY: THE PSYCHOLOGISTS ASSOCIATION OF ALBERTA
