Exceptional Learning Needs and Students At-Risk

Comprehensive guidance and counselling programs and services are inclusive. They are intended to help all students realize their full potential regardless of physical, social, emotional and other challenges.

The function of school counsellors with students who have exceptional learning needs may include:

• working as a team member with other support professionals;
• intervening with students with difficult behaviour;
• providing guidance, counselling and prevention services, including crisis counselling, group guidance and counselling, family support, and consultation;
• providing in-service support presentations to staff;
• providing specific curriculum-related programs to strengthen personal and interpersonal skills such as problem-solving, decision-making, understanding feelings and self-acceptance;
• providing referrals for additional specialized support services and mediating and facilitating effective behaviour change.
• providing social skills training individually and in small groups;
• assisting in establishing appropriate individual behaviour programs;
• serving as a consultant and resource to parents, teachers, and other school personnel;
• promoting workshops for staff and students on various disorders affecting school success;
• supporting parents and families;
• providing career planning;
• making referrals to appropriate specialists; and
• assisting in the completion of funding applications.
  

Visit Student Services for additional information.