School psychologists have specialized training in both psychology and education. They use their training and skills to team with educators, parents and other mental health professionals to ensure that every child learns in a safe, healthy and supportive environment. The training requirements to become a school psychologist are a minimum of sixty graduate semester hours including a year-long internship. The training emphasizes preparation in mental health, child development, school organization, learning, behavior and motivation.  To work as a school psychologist, one must be certified and/or licensed by the state in which services are provided.

What does the GYR school psychologist do?

• She's available for consultation with teachers, parents and administrators about problems in learning and behavior
• She's a permanent member of the Student Support Team (SST) and helps the faculty and parents identify the cause of students' learning difficulties and intervention strategies to enhance success at home and school
• She completes thorough evaluations to help determine the cause of persistent learning difficulties and eligibility for special services when children are not making adequate progress despite interventions
• She's a member of the school's crisis response team
• She provides training opportunities to assist the staff in recognizing escalating behaviors and early intervention and therapeutic techniques
• Jacalyn McCallum also works at a second elementary school and is a mentor to new school psychologists in Wake County

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