The five areas of our guidance program are small group counseling, individual counseling, classroom guidance, consultation, and coordination. A supportive and encouraging atmosphere can be created in a small group situation. Groups are for everyone, and participation does not indicate a problem. All students can benefit from learning how to accept responsibility, manage stress, communicate effectively, make decisions , and solve problems. A survey is sent home at the beginning of the year to determine the types of groups needed.
Individual counseling can provide support during personal crisis.
Children may see the counselor by parent referral, teacher referral, or self-referral. Classroom guidance is an integral part of the elementary process in Oconee County schools. The overall elementary program is preventive and developmental. The counselor's consultant role includes working with teachers, parents, administrators, and other educational specialists on matters that involve student's understanding and management. The coordination aspects of the counselor's position involves communication between professionals in the school system and the community.