MARIEMONT SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS

Who Are School Psychologists?

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 than ever before. School psychologists can provide solutions for tomorrow’s problems through thoughtful and positive actions today.

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).

What Do School Psychologists Do?

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-help others understand child development and how it affects learning and behavior.

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

	academic skills
	social skills
	learning environments and school climate
	eligibility for special education

Intervention

	help solve conflicts and problems in learning and adjustment
	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

Education-develop programs on topics such as

	teaching and learning strategies
	classroom management techniques
	working with students who have disabilities
	crisis management

Research and Planning

	evaluate the effectiveness of academic programs, behavior management systems, and other services
	generate new knowledge about learning and behavior

Health Care Provision

	collaborate with school and community-based personnel to provide a comprehensive model of school-linked health services
	developing partnerships with parents and teachers to create healthy school environments

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