Mrs. Cohen: School Psychologist

Shira Cohen, M.S., 6th  Year                         School Psychologist                                              Green Pod and Preschool

Many people wonder what school psychologists do...

   School Psychologists work with students, students' families, teachers, and administrators to help ensure that each child succeeds in all areas of school.

With Students: Counseling, direct instruction and mentoring may be provided for students struggling with social, emotional, and behavioral problems. Additionally, a school psychologist promotes wellness and resilience by reinforcing communication and social skills, problem solving, anger management, self-regulation, self-determination, and optimism; this may be done on an individual basis, in a small group, or whole class, depending on the assessed needs. Also, School Psychologists strive to enhance understanding and accepting of diverse cultures, backgrounds, and abilities, thus helping to create a positive school climate.

With Students' Families: School Psychologists work with families to identify and address learning and behavior problems that interfere with school success. They provide parenting help and strategies for dealing with such problems that occur at home. Also, School Psychologists evaluate eligibility for special education services (within a multidisciplinary team). Overall, school psychologists strive to enhance home-school collaboration, in the belief that working together is the most effective way to help each child. 

With Teachers: School Psychologists work with teachers to identify and resolve barriers to learning. School Psychologists esign and implement academic and behavioral interventions and support teachers in providing effective individualized instruction

With Administrators: School Psychologists help implement school-wide prevention programs that  maintain positive school climates conducive to learning. They also promote school policies and practices that ensure the safety of all students by reducing school violence, and bullying. Lastly, school psychologists respond to crises by providing leadership, direct services, and coordination with needed community services.

Adapted from "The National Association of School Psychologists" Brochure

I'm here to help your child succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally. Please contact me if you think I can be a help to your child.