Counseling

At Lakota, the counselor's role is an integral part of the educational experience of each child. Our mission is to serve each student's individual, academic and developmental needs.

School counselors at every Lakota school assist in the development of the whole child through personal, social, educational and career counseling. The foundation for this begins in elementary school and continues throughout the student's school career. Elementary counselors are highly involved in fostering safe, healthy, nurturing environments for children and participate in their school building goals and strategies that support an optimal learning environment.

Counselors help set the tone for developing the knowledge, attitudes and skills children need to become healthy, competent, and confident learners. Teamwork is essential as counselors work with students, staff, parents, and community resources to provide support for students to achieve their goals.

To meet licensure requirements, Ohio School Counselors must obtain a Master’s degree in the field of counseling and a license/certificate from the Ohio Department of Education. School counselors remain current in their field by meeting continuing education requirements.

School guidance curriculum areas include:

• Academic Support, including organizational, study and test-taking skills;
• Goal setting and decision-making;
• Career awareness, exploration and planning;
• Education on understanding self and others;
• Peer relationships, coping strategies and effective social skills;
• Character education;
• Multicultural/diversity awareness;
• Dealing with loss and grief;
• Transition support/adjustment to change; and
• Problem-solving and conflict resolution.

Counselors assist student, staff and parents in a variety of ways.