Psychologist

School psychologists provide a range of services to support student's academic achievement and social emotional well-being. They collaborate with educators, parents, and other professionals to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments for all students that strengthen connections between home and school and enhance the educational experience of all children.

Other information related to school psychology can be obtained through the North Carolina School Psychology Association and the National Association of School Psychologists.

How Our School Psychologists Help
Assessments and Evaluations- (Explain their role in conducting comprehensive evaluations to understand a student’s strengths and needs such as cognitive, academic, social-emotional, behavioral. Clarify that this is often part of the process for determining eligibility for special education services. 

Counseling & Intervention: Describe direct support services

Consultation: Explain how they consult with teachers and parents/families

The Process: What Parents Can Expect
Demystify the process from referral to support. 

• How to Access Services- Clearly state the first point of contact
• The Referral Process- Briefly outline the steps from a teacher/parent concern to a meeting of the student support team (MTSS)
• Assessment Explained-If an evaluation is recommended, describe what it entails (parent interview, observation, testing, etc.) and stress the importance of Parental Consent
• The Meeting: Explain that parents are integral members of the team meeting to discuss results and develop a plan 
• Understanding your child’s evaluation report

Confidentiality and Your Rights

• A simple explanation of student privacy laws (FERPA) as they relate to psychological services.
• Reassure parents about the ethical standards upheld by the school psychologist