Understand the expertise and responsibilities of your child"s school counselor. Counselors can make a measurable difference in every student"s life by assisting with academic, career, and personal and social development. Professional school counselors are trained in both education and counseling, which allows them to funtion as facilitators between parents, teachers and students in matters concerning students" goals, abilities and weaknesses.

Meet or contact your child"s school counselor at least three times per school year. The beginning of the school year is an excellent opportunity to initiate contact with your child"s school counselor, and doing so can ensure that your child has a positive classroom experience. Find out who the counselor is, as well as what his or her experience and background are. By communicatin with one another at the beginning, middle and end of the school year, parents and counselors can have a definite impact on a child"s success.

Discuss your child"s challenges and concerns. As a parent, you know your child best. However, a school counselor can help you better understand your child as a student. It"s important to encourage your child"s expression of needs, hopes and frustrations. School counselors are trained to help children navigate some of these issues.

Learn about your child"s school and social connections. When you need information or assistance, your child"s school counselor can help you get in touch with the appropriate school officials; learn about school policies on behavior, attendance and dress, navigate the school calendar, and stay connected with the school in many other ways. School counselors also can help you locate resources in the community when you need them.

Work with the school counselor to identify resources and find solutions to problems. If your child is having a problem at school, it"s important to problem solve with his or her school counselor. You can discuss resources available both within and outside of the school and get information on how such programs can benefit your child. Your school counselor can be a valuable partner in your child"s education and preparation for life beyond school.