Counseling

Welcome to the Victor Early Childhood counseling page!

The elementary years set the groundwork for a child's experience at school. Our student support team has an important role in helping to create a solid, positive foundation for students by supporting and advocating for their academic, social, and emotional needs.

Victor Central School District Comprehensive Student Support Plan: K-12

Mission Statement

We believe…

That all students:

Are valued as individuals who possess unique abilities.
Deserve equal opportunity for learning.
Have an individualized path of success and achievement which evolves over time.

That effective student support personnel:

Maintain an open and positive perspective about students.
Advocate for student needs.
Assist to provide a safe environment for students.
Collaborate with students, teachers, parents, administrators, and outside service providers.

That our comprehensive student support program:

Addresses the social, emotional, academic, and character development of our students.
Recognizes the diversity of our student population.
Assists in the development of resiliency, courage, coping, problem solving and collaborative skills in our students.
Uses data to assist with determining individual student needs and goals, monitor and celebrate progress and growth.
Supports student transitions throughout their school experience and post-secondary plans.
Values collaboration with colleagues and partnerships with community agencies and resources.

Our Roles

A school counselor provides social, emotional, and academic support to all students. This might look like teaching counseling-based lessons to an entire classroom, holding short-term skill building groups, or providing ongoing counseling to students throughout the school year. Common areas of focus include school readiness, emotional regulation, friendship skills, problem solving, and self-control.

School psychologists also provide social, emotional, and academic supports to students. They conduct screenings and evaluations to determine eligibility for special education services, and to plan appropriate Individualized Education Programs for students with disabilities. School Psychologists also provide counseling, but typically service students with IEPs.

Services Counselors Provide

Counseling services are provided to students when they present with social, emotional, or behavioral needs that affect them in the school setting. There are a variety of counseling services available to students throughout the school year. The school counselor or psychologist may push into classrooms to provide targeted support for specific students or to provide whole group lessons on social, emotional, or behavioral topics. Additionally, students may be referred for group counseling which can vary in time, frequency, and topic depending on need.

Common counseling topics include:
Anxiety/Worry
Assertiveness
Building Empathy
Changing Families
Communication
Conflict Resolution
Coping with Strong Feelings
Divorce
Grief & Loss
Identifying Feelings
Making and Keeping Friends
Positive Behavior
School Readiness
Self-Control
Social Skills

There are times when a child is presenting with needs that would be more appropriately supported by an outside therapist. The school psychologist or counselor can connect families with these resources when necessary.

Primary Project

Primary Project is a school based early detection and prevention program designed to enhance school related competencies and reduce social, emotional and school adjustment difficulties in children. Children who receive Primary Project meet once a week for 30 minutes with a specially trained Child Associate. During Primary Project time, the pace and play are child-driven but promote learning, self-expression, exploration, and creativity. Students benefit from this special, one-on-one time with a nurturing adult, while also working on gaining confidence, problem solving, and social skills.