School psychologists are uniquely qualified members of school teams that support students' ability to learn and teachers' ability to teach. They apply expertise in mental health, learning and behavior to help children and youth succeed academically, socially, behaviorally and emotionally.  VSB School Psychologists have graduate degrees in psychology and often hold teacher certification. Each School Psychologist works in a number of schools and provides services for children from kindergarten through grade twelve.

Support Includes:
collaborating with teachers, parents and school personnel about learning, social emotional learning and positive behaviour strategies 
helping others better understand child development and its relationship to learning and behaviour by bringing a psychological approach to the analysis of student learning and behaviour problems that is scientifically based and relevant to those situations that affect the classroom and student on a day-to -day basis. 
providing in-service programs regarding various psychological and educational issues 
providing information and interpretation of assessment 
collaborating with other school staff to develop appropriate educational and behavioural strategies and programs for individual students 
working directly with families and teachers to solve issues related to learning or referring to other agencies and services if needed. 
may be involved in monitoring the effectiveness of recommendations

Additional services provided through assessment:

• use a wide variety of approaches to evaluate: cognitive abilities, social skills, self-help and coping skills, behaviour, emotional condition(s), academic achievement, eligibility for special education services and programs 
• discuss the results with the parents and relevant school-based professionals 
• write a report describing the assessment procedures, findings and recommendations

Referral Process
The services of School Psychologist are accessed through School Based Team. After discussion of the teacher’s or parent’s concerns, the school based team determines if the School Psychologist’s services are required and sets priorities for this service.