" A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new." - Albert Einstein
What is the role of the school psychologist?
School psychologists have many roles within the school. Here are some of the services Ms. Tardy provides at ELMS:
- Collaboration and consultation with teachers and parents regarding academic, social/emotional, and/or behavioral concerns
- Consultation with community mental health practitioners
- Conducting evaluations to assist in determining eligible for Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 services
- Assisting in the development of interventions to target student needs
- Individual and group counseling
- Creating a positive and safe environment within the school and classroom
- Collecting and analyzing data to improve student outcomes
- Co-Facilitation of the Instructional Intervention Team (IIT)
- Responding to crisis situations
- Providing referrals to community based mental health services
- Supporting students in personal crisis or feeling stress due to social issues, depression, anxiety, academic difficulties, divorce, lose of a loved one, etc...
Why might Ms. Tardy meet with my child?
There are many reasons Ms. Tardy might meet with your child during the school year. She may encounter your child throughout the day for positive reasons, such as earning a Star Card for demonstrating Responsible, Respectful, Safe, or Prepared behaviors. If your child is being evaluated by the school-based team to determine IEP or Section 504 eligibility, Ms. Tardy may schedule time with your child to complete the necessary assessments. Ms. Tardy also provides individual and group counseling, typically as listed in a student's IEP. Finally, Ms. Tardy assists the counselors, administrators, and teachers by meeting with students when the student's counselor is not available, if the student appears to be in crisis, or if an immediate need is identified. She also occasionally meets with students regarding disciplinary issues, in conjunction with administrators.
When should I contact Ms. Tardy?
Wondering how to help your child, if there are more supports available, or what the next step is? Consider contacting Ms. Tardy if:
- You are worried about your child's ability to learn and succeed in school
- You have concerns regarding your child's emotional or mental health
- If you suspect your child may have a disability and needs supports to access the general education curriculum
- When you feel your child is struggling and may need a formal plan to be successful
- If you are searching for a community-based mental provider and would like a list of area practitioners
How do I know if I should contact Ms. Tardy or my child's school counselor?
Contact Ms. Tardy if you have any of the concerns listed above. Contact your child's school counselor if:
- You want to discuss changing your child's schedule
- You want to schedule a teacher conference
- You would like to schedule a meeting to review your child's Section 504 Plan
- You want to discuss home changes or information your child reported about an issue at home and your child does not currently work with Ms. Tardy
- You want more information on the counselor lessons done in the classroom
- You would like information about group counseling happening at ELMS
- You want to learn more about or request that your child attend Notebook Organization Day (NOD)