In Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, there is an elementary school counselor in each of our 56 schools who work with students from Pre-K through 5th grade. They work with students individually or in groups, depending on the nature of the problem, issue, or topic.

The Developmental Needs of Elementary School Students

Elementary school is a time when students develop attitudes concerning school, self, peers, social groups, and family. It is a time when students develop decision-making, communication, and life training skills and character values. Comprehensive developmental counseling is based on prevention, providing goals which are integrated into all aspects of children’s lives. Early identification and intervention of children’s problems are essential to change some of the current statistics regarding self-destructive behaviors. If we wait until children are in middle or high school to address these problems, we lose the opportunity to help them achieve their potential, as well as feelings of dignity and self-worth. For many children, the school counselor may be the one person who provides an atmosphere of safety, trust, and positive regard.

Why Elementary School Counselors?

Elementary school years set the tone for developing the skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary for our children to become healthy, productive adults. With a comprehensive developmental counseling program, counselors work as a team with school, parents, and community to create a caring atmosphere whereby children’s needs are met through prevention, early identification, and intervention.

The Cypress-Fairbanks ISD guidance and counseling program has as its theme, “Lighting the Way to a Safe Harbor.” As a lighthouse provides the means to keep ships on course as they navigate through difficult waters, so do Cypress-Fairbanks ISD counselors endeavor to keep students on course as they seek understanding and experience the developmental stages from childhood to young adulthood.