Denholm and Watkins (1993) offer several models describing school-based child and youth care (CYC) practice, outlining the various methods by which CYC work operates and is integrated within schools. As is indicated in the description, the position offered is consistent with that of the “alternate program” model, which mostly “occurs in one specific location. The “…building and program are attached to an existing…school”, and the “staff are directly responsible to the school principal. Students in the “program (primarily adolescents) come from within this school population”, and the “child and youth care staff may or may not be direct employees of the school district” (Denholm, Chrest, & Pylypa, as cited in Denholm & Watkins, 1993, p. 85). Hence, within this position I would be a hired member of the school staff of the Foundations for the Future Charter Academy (FFCA) in Calgary Alberta, working alongside other professionals within an interdisciplinary team, answering directly to the school administration within a specific school location.
The position is intended to compliment the roles of teachers and other staff within the school in providing support for students as a “Youth Development Counselor”, albeit on a temporary basis for one school year. Specifically, my role would place me in a position as part of two distinct teams, as designated by the school administration. These include the School Services team, consisting of the coordinator of school improvement and family
Child Advocacy Center development has been closely related to the approaches we have been introduced to in this course. Creating protocols for community impact, sustainability and growth have all occurred as this Child Advocacy has developed in my community. In my work it is very important to keep the families and victims we serve at the forefront of our decision making. Each policy, program and renovation is made with how it will impact the families we serve over how it will benefit us. Our program has followed the Principles of Good Practice at times and failed to follow them also. Each program/project has a little of this I believe. In this paper, I will go through each principle and identify how the CAC program has met the standard or identify
This helps practitioner’s work together for the welfare of children. It promotes the Every Child Matters outcomes to reinforcing how important it is for all child careers to work together.
All members of the staff must act as professionals while at work, especially with young children. The administrative and teaching staff must work together to ensure their practices are developmentally appropriate, and share new and/or creative ideas with one another. It is also the responsibility of a teacher to establish an open, trusting relationship with the parents of each children in their care. Thus, parents can freely communicate their thoughts, concerns, and/or suggestions about their child or the program. Parent satisfaction is something that every child care or development center should strive for.
My pursuit of becoming a School Counselor led me to apply to the School Counseling Master’s Program at University of Maryland, College Park. I am a former student at University of Maryland with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. After graduating and teaching for two years in Prince George’s County Public Schools, I discovered my true passion lies not only in the classroom and students’ academics, but playing a pivotal role in the growth of their career, social, and personal development. Although I am no longer teaching full-time at the moment, my interaction with students from diverse backgrounds left an indelible responsibility to continue making a difference in our students. The objectives and mission of the School Counseling Master’s Program at University of Maryland can best help my goal of becoming an effective counselor and leader who is an agent of change to students and service the mental and emotional well-being of the younger generation.
I desire to pursue school counseling as my career to become an effective and successful leader in this profession. Why? I have always held a passion for touching the lives of the youth in a great and positive manner. A licensed school counselor entails helping students with academic achievement, personal/social growth and career development, ensuring students become the industrious, well-balanced adults of tomorrow. while, operating as a professional school counselor involves me obtaining the appropriate knowledge and skills that will support me with providing exceptional service for clients. I believe that I can obtain this intelligence here at Capella University. I comprehend that as a professional school counselor I would be expected
When I first found out about this assignment I was a little anxious because I didn 't know whom I would interview or how my request would be received. As I consider my options I thought it would be best to interview someone that could offer me some insight as to what it is like to be an elementary or junior high school counselor, which are the two age groups that I would most like to work with. With this in mind, I decided to interview one of my son 's past guidance counselors. This is a woman that I have admired since the first day that I met her. In talking with her I found her to be a very knowledgeable, caring, and open person. She has been in the helping profession for over twenty years and working as a guidance counselor since 1999.
This position will provide me with the skills I need to better assist individuals, while I learn the fundamental skills that I will use in my career. In Diversity Studies, I have learned how systemic barriers have outcasted marginalized groups, specifically youth of color. I have learned how to critically think about the individual and ways to help promote their wellbeing, rather than being quick to judge their situation. These skills are crucial when working with individuals that have past convictions because it is important not to label the individual, but look at them as individuals who have the potential to overcome their circumstances. That is why I will be a vital team member of the Juvenile Division Department team.
I follow local, state, and federally mandated policies and procedures in order to ensure a well-run program. Daily I perform health and wellness checks when the students arrive and I remain apprised of who is allowed to pick the child up. I am attentive to possible signs of neglect and physical or sexual abuse. If necessary I will provide support and resources such as 211 First Call for Help or Beechbrook counseling to comply with the family’s needs. Ensuring appropriate adult-child ratio, current student records and maintaining open communication with parents is another way the program is purposeful. I identify the child’s progress
School counselors collaborate with other school personnel such as teachers who will help implement guidance lessons in the classroom. As a school counselor it is important to keep the teachers motivated to help implement these programs. Resource teachers typically work the special education students, collaborating with resource teachers ensures that all students are included in the comprehensive program. The resource teacher can help provide alternative to working with students in an inclusive manner. The principles and assistance principles of the school typically serve on the advisory committee, they provide resources to the program, and help communicate the important of the counseling program. School psychologist are there to assist with mental health services, doing assessments, and working with the school counselor during crisis situations. School nurses provide health services to the students. They monitor student medications and note changes in students behavior or effectiveness of the medication. Secretaries are equally important in the collaborative model. Secretaries are typically the first person a parent will come in contact with when entering the school. They are the ones that create that first impression (Erford, 2015). Community agencies can provide additional support to students outside of
My role at the school is to provide one-on-one counseling for identified, at risk youth, as well as to co-facilitate groups--both full classroom and afterschool. I currently have five students in my individual caseload; I co-facilitate one after-school group for 3rd grade boys, and a 1st and 2nd grade boys’ group one day per week during lunch.
As I am relatively new to this area of work it is also important to reflect as a youth worker in order for me to be effective and capable within my job. It is necessary for me to reflect on my experiences so far from the year and a half I have spent in college and it’s important for me to continually highlight areas for development while I am on placement. First I must identify the strengths and skills I have acquired and then to plan my development needs. My role requires me develop plans to suit the service users; I feel my current qualifications and experience will develop after my placement. I also feel it is essential to enhance my current knowledge of youth and community work and monitor my progress. I think the important thing to remember is that I am reflecting for my own development.
School counseling has evolved over the years into a significant component of the educational system. School counselors are taking on new roles in schools as leaders, working with “school administration and staff in developing student attitudes and behavior which are necessary to maintain proper control, acceptable standards of self-discipline and a suitable learning environment within the school” (Secondary School Counselor 2012). Counselors work in “diverse community settings designed to provide a variety of counseling, rehabilitation, and support services” (Counselors, 2010). When working in a school district as a counselor, you can either be an elementary school counselor, middle school counselor or a high school counselor.
When first applying to this program, I had a general idea of what school counseling was, but I never knew how many responsibilities a school counselor actually had. When I initially received my copy of the ASCA National Model, I was intimidated and unsure of what to expect. I soon learned that the ASCA National Model is a framework for school counseling programs and helps build a common understanding of what school counselors are responsible for. It consists of four components, foundation, management, delivery, and accountability, that make up the framework of the ASCA National Model and is based on the themes of systemic change, leadership, advocacy, and collaboration (ASCA, 2012). With that said, school counselors hold many more responsibilities than what they were once thought to. As a future school counselor, I now know that my duties go beyond simply helping students when they are experiencing a problem. I will be responsible for helping students achieve their academic, social/emotional, and career goals, which will ultimately help them become successful members of society. MORE????
School counselors help students in setting up their career path to college, ensuring that student achieves academic success and maintain a positive personal/social behavior during their educational years. As stated in The role of the professional school counselor, (ASCA, 2009b), through leadership, advocacy and collaboration, school counselors promote equity and access to rigorous educational experiences for all students. For this reason, counselors help students become proactive and judicious grown-ups for their future. “The ASCA National Model: A Framework for School Counseling Programs....unites counselors with one vision and one voice, which creates unity and focus toward improving student achievement” (ASCA National Model: A framework for school counseling programs, para. 1). This program was designed for school counselors to promote student success in their academics, emotional and social life.
When I was a child my parents placed my sister and I in child care centers. There was also a year when we were placed in a family day care. My parents both worked and had no other choice but to have somebody else take care of their children. I remember both good things and bad things from my time in the child care centers and family daycare. The good memories do out way the bad memories so my thoughts and feelings of leaving my three year-old child in a facility would be positive based on my personal experience as being a child who was raised in child care centers.