It is broadly based and interdisciplinary in nature. Unique to this option is the student's opportunity to gain an understanding of growth and development in childhood and adolescence. Effectiveness in school settings requires skills in working with individuals and groups, functioning as a school team member, and consulting with teachers and parents. The elementary track has a focus on school counseling kindergarten through grade five with a developmental emphasis on childhood. Unique to this track is the student's opportunity to gain an understanding of child growth and development, learning theories, community, and culture.
Special emphasis is placed on counseling and consultation skills.
Field experience in elementary schools is an important aspect of this track. Professional preparation for middle and secondary school counselors is based on the proposition that adolescence can be conceptualized into an early and a later stage. For those interested in working with early adolescents, this track has an emphasis on planning, implementing and evaluating counseling programs to meet the unique social, physical, intellectual, and emotional needs of students in middle and junior high schools. For those interested in working with young people in later adolescence, this track has a focus on the characteristic needs of high school students, and includes developing skills in individual and group counseling, conducting career planning and placement, and implementing programs. Field experience in high schools is an important aspect of this track.