Psychological Services

Our Mission

School Psychologists collaborate with other school personnel and parents to enhance learning and social-emotional development and adjustment of children.

Overview of GCS Psychological Services

School psychologists are highly trained specialists in human growth and development, educational psychology, education, mental health and learning and behavioral change. Their training and experience enables them to collaborate with other school personnel and parents to enhance children's learning and social-emotional development and adjustment. They promote the application of research-based psychological principles to assist in program development, instruction, and evaluation.

School psychologists also serve with others as problem solvers in facilitating positive changes in learning environments, attitudes, and motivation in order to assist children to succeed academically, socially, and as good citizens.

In addition to other job responsibilities, each GCS school psychologist participates in at least one Departmental and/or System Wide Committee.

What is a School Psychologist?

Education and Prevention:

  • Staff, teacher, and parent training
  • Develop teaching and learning strategies
  • Classroom management strategies
  • Functional behavioral assessment and plans
  • Suicide prevention and crisis management
  • Develop programs for children at risk
  • Foster tolerance, understanding, and appreciation of diversity in schools
  • School-wide initiatives to promote safer, more effective schools

Consultation:

  • Team/school planning and problem solving
  • Community-based collaboration
  • Participation in the Intervention Support Team Trainer (IST)

Assessment:

  • Learning environments/school climate
  • Academic skills/learning aptitudes
  • Personality/social skills and emotional development
  • Traumatic Brain Injury

GCS School Psychologist Facts:

  • Available at every school in Guilford County.
  • GCS currently employs 46 School Psychologists.
  • Educational preparation for school psychologists is comprehensive and rigorous: The current minimum requirements include a 60-hour master's degree program and a one-year full time internship.
  • After completing their Master’s degree and internship, some GCS School Psychologists obtain additional licensure by the NC Psychology Board.
  • Many members of the staff, in addition, are Nationally Certified School Psychologists 

In addition to more typical job responsibilities, several staff members participate in one or more departmental and/or district-wide functions. Some of these include: