What+is+a+School+Psychologist

=What is a School Psychologist? =

What is a School Psychologist?
School Psychologists have specialized training in both psychology and education. They use their training and skills to team with educators, parents, and other mental health professionals to ensure that every child learns in a safe, healthy and supportive environment.

School psychologists understand school systems, effective teaching and successful learning. Today's children face more challenges then ever before. School psychologists can provide solutions for tomorrow's problems through thoughtful and positive actions today.

What training does a School Psychologist have?
The training requirements to become a school psychologist are a minimum of 60 graduate semester hours including a year-long internship. This training emphasizes preparation in mental health, child development, school organization, learning, behavior and motivation.

To work as a school psychologist, one must be certified and/or licensed by the state in which services are being provided. School psychologists may also be nationally certified by the National Association of School Psychologists.

Consultation:

 * Collaborate with teachers, parents, and administrators to find effective solutions to learning and behavior problems.
 * Help others understand child development and how it affects learning and behavior.
 * Strengthen working relationships between teachers, parents, and service providers in the community.

Assessment

 * Uses a wide variety of techniques at an individual, group, and systems level to evaluate:
 * Academic skills
 * Learning aptitudes
 * Personality and emotional development
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Social skills
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Adaptive skills
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Functional behavioral skills
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Learning environments and school climate
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Eligibility for Special Education

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Intervention

 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Works directly with children and families.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Helps solve conflicts and problems in learning and adjustment.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Provides assistance with social skills training, behavior management, and other strategies.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Helps families and schools deal with crises, such as separation and loss.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Prevention

 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Design programs for children at risk of failing at school.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Promote tolerance, understanding, and appreciation of diversity within the school community.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Develop programs to make schools safer and more effective learning environments.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Collaborate with school staff and community agencies to provide services directed at improving psychological and physical health.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Develop partnerships with parents and teachers to promote healthy school environments.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Research and Planning

 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Evaluate the effectiveness of academic and behavior management programs.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Identify and implement programs and strategies to improve schools.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Use evidence-based research to develop and/or recommend effective interventions.