What is a school counselor?  School counselors work with all students, school staff, families and members of the community as an integral part of the education program.  School counseling programs promote school success through a focus on academic achievement, prevention and intervention activities, advocacy, social/emotional, and career development (American School Counselor Association, 1997). 

What qualifications does a school counselor have?   School counselors have a minimum of a Master's Degree with Florida Department of Education certification in Guidance and Counseling.

What are some of the responsibilities that school counselors handle? School counselors offer a variety of services throughout the school year.  Some of these include: Counseling (individual, small group, classroom lessons on character), New student orientation, Red Ribbon Week activities, "Families in Transition" assessments, Keys to Character, community services projects (ie. Thanksgiving baskets/Giving tree), Pre-K transition, 5th grade articulation, Violence Prevention Month activities, Academic/Ability screenings, Student Study Team meetings, 504 meetings, Mentor coordination, Parent/Teacher conferences and Teacher consultation. 

What is the Student Study Team? The student study team is a group of multi-disciplinary professionals and the student's parents who meet to review and discuss the student's educational needs.  The team members may include administration, counselors, a staffing resource specialist, a school psychologist, classroom teachers, Exceptional Student Education (ESE) teachers, a school board nurse and a school social worker.

What community resources are available?  SCPS has a cooperative agreement with many community agencies including Adams Professional Counseling, Adapt Behavioral Services, Anthrops Florida Group Inc, Boys Town Central Florida, C.H.A.N.G.E.S Youth Services, Children's Home Society, Hospice of the Comforter, Intervention Services, Jewsish Family Services, Kinder Institute, Milestone Social Services, Phoenix Rising Now Corp and The Grove Counseling Center.