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Administrative Procedure 240: GUIDANCE AND COUNSELLING PROGRAMS

Background

Parents are the first source of guidance and counsel for their children. All students shall have access to excellent and comprehensive counselling and guidance programs so that they can be helped to lead fulfilling and productive lives. Such comprehensive counselling and guidance programs shall address the developmental needs of all students in the areas of career planning and development, personal and social issues and educational planning. The Division therefore supports the establishment of comprehensive counselling and guidance programs in its schools.

Procedures

  1. School guidance and counselling programs reflect the unique needs of each school community.
     
  2. School guidance and counselling programs endeavour to ensure balanced, effective, sequential programs that meet the educational, personal, social and career goals of all students.
     
  3. Provision of comprehensive guidance and counselling programs at the school level is a collaborative, cross-disciplinary task involving all members of the school staff. It is not the sole responsibility of the school counsellor. Ensuring that the programs are an integral part of the school’s total educational program rests with the Principal.
     
  4. The specific needs of the students and the expertise available in each school will influence the way in which activities and services are provided. Implementation of a comprehensive guidance and counselling program is best directed by persons trained in counselling skills who are certificated teachers. Their responsibilities include:
    1. Coordination of programs and activities that assist students in the development of personal, social, educational and career growth (goals).
    2. Provision of counselling, support and guidance to students in their development of personal management skills.
    3. Provision of crisis counselling to those students in personal difficulty. In such situations parents are to be advised of the intervention if this service is to continue beyond an initial visit unless statutory provisions require otherwise (for example: Administrative Procedures 325 – Alleged Child Abuse and Neglect).
    4. Development of partnerships with parents, individuals and agencies in the community, in support and assistance of the guidance and counselling programs.
       
  5. Professional guidelines for psychological and counselling programs for students in schools are under the support of a chartered psychologist within the Division.

  6. It is recognized that some school sites provide guidance and counselling services through individuals trained outside of the teaching profession (e.g. Mental Health, Children’s Services). Should this arrangement exist within school sites, signed affirmative parental permission is to be obtained prior to service being provided.
     

Reference

Section 3,11,18,32,33,52,53,196,197,222 Education Act

Freedom of Information and Personal Privacy Act

Personal Information Protection Act

Guide to Education ECS to Grade 12

Comprehensive School Guidance and Counselling Programs and Services, 1997

 

Approved: August 21, 2018

Last Updated: October 16, 2019