Why Elementary School Counselors   "Toward a Blueprint for
Youth: Making Positive Youth Development a National Priority" -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)  Elementary School
Students' Developmental Needs The elementary years are a time
when students begin to develop their academic self-concept and
their feelings of competence and confidence as learners. They
are beginning to develop decision-making, communication and life
skills, as well as and character values. It is also a time when
students develop and acquire attitudes toward school self,
peers, social groups and family. Comprehensive developmental
school counseling programs provide education, prevention and
intervention services, which are integrated into all aspects of
children's lives. Early identification and intervention of
children's academic and personal/social needs is essential in
removing barriers to learning and in promoting academic
achievement. The knowledge, attitudes and skills that students
acquire in the areas of academic, c