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?

In general, all school counselors in the state of Maine must possess a Master's degree in counseling and be certified and/or licensed by the state of Maine.

HOW DOES THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL COUNSELOR WORK?

The school counselor works with all the children in the school. The counselor sees children individually, in small groups, and during classroom guidance lessons. Individual students may be seen by self-referral or referral by a parent, teacher, administrator, or specialist. Counseling services can help students to:

  • Develop a clear and positive idea of self at school, at home, and in the community

  • Identify personal strengths and limitations and set goals for improvement

  • Become accepting of others and to build and maintain relationships

  • Understand appropriate problem-solving and decision-making skills

  • Understand how careers of people in the world of work are tied together, and

  • Develop positive feelings toward their future and education.

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

Please call, email, or visit me with any concerns you may have regarding your child or their social and emotional growth. I meet with children individually and in small groups as needed and/or requested.

Melissa Erickson

[email protected]

Maine Crisis Hotline: 1-888-568-1112