Guidance counselors serve students, parents, and teachers in all elementary and secondary schools.  Parents, the press, administrators, and the general public often wonder just what it is that school counselors do on a daily basis. Gone are the days of school counselors sitting in their office simply handing out college applications, making schedule changes for students who want to drop a class, or meeting with the troublemakers in the school. Today's school counselors are vital members of the education team. They help all students in the areas of academic achievement, personal/social development, and career development, ensuring today's students become the productive, well-adjusted adults of tomorrow.

Elementary School Students’ Developmental Needs
The elementary years are a time when students begin to develop their academic self-concept and their feelings of competence and confidence as learners. They are beginning to develop decision-making, communication, and life skills, as well as character values. It is also a time when students develop and acquire attitudes toward school self, peers, social groups, and family. Comprehensive developmental school counseling programs provide education, prevention, and intervention services, which are integrated into all aspects of children’s lives. Early identification and intervention of children’s academic and personal/social needs are essential in removing barriers to learning and in promoting academic achievement. The knowledge, attitudes, and skills that students acquire in the areas of academic, career, and personal/social development during these elementary years serve as the foundation for future success.