Working with Parents as Elementary Counselors

School counselors can often be an untapped resource for families. Our master’s programs teach us to understand learning strategies and child development, and teach critical social/emotional skills that serve as the cornerstone for future student success. We also have knowledge of assistance programs that can meet the basic needs of our students and families. It should go without saying, then, that parents should want school counselors actively involved in their child’s education. However, this is not always the case.
 
ASCA notes that some parents may be operating based on their own experiences with school counselors during their time in school. Some of these experiences may have been negative. Some parents may have had positive experiences with their school counselors, but still may not have a complete knowledge of the ever-changing role of the school counselor. We have become much more than just “guidance” counselors.
 
Most school counselors would agree that we share a vision of positively impacting all students in our building. More than ever, students in our schools come from increasingly diverse and complex families. Working with parents can help broaden our impact and add an additional layer of accountability for students when working toward their goals.
 
Here are some simple steps toward increasing our engagement with parents.
 
Form Your Team
Do you have an advisory council in your school? Not only is this part of the ASCA National Model, but also it can be an amazing resource for your school counseling program. Especially in cases where a school has a solo school counselor, having input from teachers, students and parents can help school counselors make informed decisions to the benefit of students and the school. Strategically include parents on your council that you believe will support your program and spread the word about the great work that is being done.
 
Be Available and Accessible
A school counselor has many ways to be a visible presence in schools. Attend school functions and take an active role in them when you can. If the district you work in allows, have a website for your program. Share posts detailing what you are currently working on, or lessons you are currently teaching. Encourage teachers to share the link to your website on their newsletters. Post the school counseling program schedule with upcoming events. Is there an area in which a parent could volunteer?
 
Be Proactive
I have often heard, “Oh, I thought something was wrong!” when I make positive contact with parents. School counselors should not always be the bearers of bad news. Have you noticed a student being extraordinarily kind? Call their parents or send them a quick email. Let parents know that you notice the things that make their child great.
 
If you need to begin working with a student, contact the parents not only to gain consent, but also to see if you can develop shared goals. Recognize the parent’s expert opinion on their child and use their knowledge of their child to better inform your interventions.
 
Promote Your Program
During your school’s back-to-school night, set up a display or booth that shows what school counselors do in your school. National School Counseling Week is also an excellent way to showcase your program. While receiving a pat on the back is nice, National School Counseling Week’s intended purpose is to give school counselors a platform to demonstrate to stakeholders that school counseling is important to the academic, career, and social/emotional development of students. Another avenue to promote your program could be presenting at a PTA/PTO meeting. After presenting at my school, I was approached by multiple parents who said, “I didn’t know you did all that!”
 
In the state of Oklahoma, many elementary school counselors are the sole school counselor in their building. Although we are well trained and equipped to handle this responsibility, our programs are most impactful when we can get every piece of the puzzle working together for the benefit of our students.
 
Missy Smith is an OSCA board member and elementary school counselor.

OSCA members at the recent Counselor's Only Conference in Moore, OK.

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