Counseling Services

The Role, Duties and Responsibilities of the Counselor

The Comprehensive Guidance and Counseling Program at Dearing Elementary is aligned with the Georgia School Counselors Association and American School Counselor Association Professional Standards and Competencies. These competencies include but are not limited to three essential practices, and they are Counseling, Consultation, and Coordination. These components are designed to provide students, parents, teachers, and staff with ongoing support services as needed throughout the school year. Moreover, to create a framework for academic growth, career exploration, and a positive school experiences for all students.

What does a Counselor Do?

Counseling: 

A service that is provided within the school setting and is available to any student who expresses a concern or needs to talk with the School Counselor.   Therefore, counseling services are designed to assess and meet the needs of students whether it’s personal, social, emotional, academic, or behavioral. It is my heartfelt desire as a School Counselor to help students overcome challenges that may impede them from thriving in the learning environment. 

• • • Individual Counseling: Allows students to meet with the School Counselor confidentially in a one-on-one session to share varied concerns. A request for Individual Counseling can be made by a teacher, a student, or a parent. However, if a student has needs beyond an initial visit, parental consent is required. Therefore, a parental consent form for ongoing services may be obtained from the Counselor's office. If long-term counseling is needed, a list of CSRA resources will be provided to the guardian.
      
    • Small-Group Counseling: Allows the School Counselor an opportunity to work with two or more students in a group who may have similar concerns. Students thrive when they can share concerns, and ideas, give and receive feedback, and gain new insight or knowledge about specific topics that may enhance developmental growth opportunities. Small-group counseling further supports students by helping them to obtain personal goals they hope to achieve.
      
    • Classroom Guidance: This is an opportunity for the School Counselor to work with all students every month, and grade level specific. During this time together detailed lessons are designed to provide students with information that helps to promote personal growth, academic success, and career exploration.