NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS

What Is a School Psychologist?

Information for Parents

Today's children face more challenges than ever before. School psychologists help children meet these challenges through their 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 the ingredients for successful learning.

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 provided. School psychologists also may be nationally certified by the National School Psychology Certification Board (NSPCB).

School psychologists tailor their services to the particular needs of each child and each situation. School psychologists use many different approaches and may play many different roles, but most provide these core services:

• 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

Use a wide variety of techniques at an individual, group, and systems level to evaluate:

• academic skills and learning aptitudes

• personality and emotional development

• social skills

• learning environments and school climate

• eligibility for special services

• 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 death, illness or community trauma

Prevention

• identify potential learning difficulties

• design programs for children at risk of academic 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

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

• evaluate the effectiveness of academic programs, behavior management systems and then services
• generate new knowledge about learning and behavior
• contribute to planning and evaluating school-wide reform and district-wide policies

• 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

• develop partnerships with parents and teachers to create healthy school environments

Where Do School Psychologists Work?

The majority of school psychologists are employed in public and private school systems. However, school psychologists practice in a variety of settings including:

• public and private schools

• school-based health centers

• clinics and hospitals

• private practice

• university, community and state agencies, and other institutions

Growing Up Isn't Easy

All children and adolescents face problems from time to time. They may:

• have fears about starting school

• be upset about family events such as divorce and death

• feel depressed

• lack self-discipline

• experiment with drugs or alcohol

• think about suicide

• lack study skills worry about their sexuality

• consider dropping out of school

School psychologists are there to help parents, educators, and the community understand and solve these and many other problems. By dealing with learning problems early on, school psychologists can help prevent further difficulties. They recognize that changes in school and home environments can improve the quality of life for children and family members. They can be trusted to deal in confidence with sensitive personal and family matters. School psychologists understand how schools work and how children learn; provide easily accessible, cost-effective mental health services to children; and promote positive mental health and a safe and effective learning environment.

The National Association of School Psychologists represents more than 24,000 school psychologists and related practitioners who serve the education and mental health needs of children, adolescents young adults and families. For more information, contact the psychologist serving your school or NASP at (301)657-0270.

© 1998 National Association of School Psychologists, 4340 East West Highway, Suite 402, Bethesda MD 20814 - 301-657-0270.