Elementary School Counseling

What is a School Counselor | What Does a School Counselor Do | Meet the Elementary Counselors | Elementary Curriculum | Parent Programs & Resources

What is a School Counselor?

According to the American School Counseling Association, “School counselors are certified educators who improve student success for ALL students by implementing a comprehensive school counseling program. School counselors work to maximize student success, promoting access and equity for all students.” As vital members of the school mental health team, school counselors create a school culture of success for all.

What does a School Counselor do?

• K-5 Developmental Counseling Lessons
• Small Group Counseling
• Short-term Individual Counseling
• Support in crisis situations
• Parent/teacher/administrator collaboration & consultation
• Coordinate parenting programs

Meet the Elementary Counselors

Elementary Curriculum

K-2 Curriculum

3-5 Curriculum

North Colonie Central Schools Comprehensive School Counseling Plan

Earlier this year, scientists published research that showed how sleep was important for children’s brain health. The research compared the mental health, cognition, behavioral problems and brain structure in two groups of children aged 9-10 years old: children who got at least nine hours of sleep and children who got less than 9 hours of sleep.

The data showed that children who slept less had more mental health (e.g. depression, anxiety) and behavioral problems (e.g., aggression, learning difficulties) than children who slept more. Differences in the amount of sleep were associated with differences in the anatomy of the brain. These brain changes may be responsible for the increased mental health and behavioral problems seen in children who slept less.

– Yang, F.N., et al., Effects of sleep duration on neurocognitive development in early adolescents in the USA: a propensity score matched, longitudinal, observational study. Lancet Child Adolesc. Health. 2022 Oct;6(10):705-712.