School psychologists tailor their services to the particular needs of each child and each situation. School psychologists use many different approaches, but most provide these core services:
Consultation
- give healthy and effective alternatives to teachers, parents, and administrators about problems in learning and behavior
- help others understand child development and how it affects learning and behavior
- strengthen working relationships between educators, parents and community services
Assessment - Use a wide variety of techniques at an individual, group, and systems level to evaluate:
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academic skills
- learning aptitudes
- personality and emotional development
- social skills
- learning environments and school climate
- eligibility for special education
Intervention
- work face-to-face with children and families
- help solve conflicts and problems in learning and adjustment
- provide psychological counseling for children and families
- provide social skills training, behavior management, and other strategies
- help families and schools deal with crises, such as separation and loss
Prevention
- identify potential learning difficulties
- design programs for children at risk of failure
- provide parents and teachers with the skills to cope with disruptive behavior
- help foster tolerance, understanding, and appreciation of diversity in the school community
- develop school-wide initiatives to make schools safer and more effective
Education-- develop programs on topics such as:
- teaching and learning strategies
- classroom management techniques
- working with students who have disabilities or unusual talents
- substance abuse
- crisis management
Research and Planning
- evaluate the effectiveness of academic programs, behavior management systems, and other services
- generate new knowledge about learning and behavior
- contribute to planning and evaluating school-wide reform and restructuring Health Care Provision
- collaborate with school and community-based personnel to provide a comprehensive model of school-linked health services
- work with children and families to provide integrated community services focusing on psychosocial wellness and health-related issues
- developing partnerships with parents and teachers to create healthy school environments