Birch Lane Elementary

Why Elementary School Counselors?
The elementary school years are foundationally and developmentally critical to the long term success and functioning of DJUSD students. During these early and influential years, elementary students develop the knowledge, attitudes and skills necessary to become healthy, competent and confident lifelong learners. DJUSD elementary school counselors strive to nurture the incredible potential of all elementary students by:

• Meeting monthly to consult and discuss best counseling practices;
• Partnering and collaborating with school staff, parent/guardians, and surrounding community to nurture responsive and inclusive school climates;
• Implementing educational counseling curriculum adapted to student developmental and grade level needs; and
• Providing early identification of student social, emotional and academic and student focused intervention and consultation.

Elementary School Counseling Staffing

The DJUSD Board of Education approved a full-time counselor for each elementary school.  Prior to 2018, counseling time ranged from half-time to full-time. For some sites, this doubled the time a counselor is currently able to provide support.

With a full-time counselor in place, our elementary schools offer a more comprehensive social-emotional curriculum and counseling staff will be afforded the opportunity to create multi-tiered systems of support, targeting our students who are most likely to thrive and benefit from small and more intensive interventions and structures.  Guidance provided by elementary counselors supports each component of the DJUSD Graduate Profile. 

Here is a brochure to learn more about the elementary school program: DJUSD Elementary Counselor Brochure (002).pdf
DJUSD Elementary Counselor Brochure - Spanish.pdf

Consent and Confidentiality
In general, school-wide counseling activities and whole grade level lessons do not require consent to participate, as school counseling services are a part of the general educational program open to all students. Small group and individual counseling services do require parent or guardian consent prior to student participation, with the following exceptions:

As per California law, if a child is twelve years or older they may consent to receive counseling services.
In the case of a crisis, a school counselor may provide one to two sessions for a student, regardless of age, to determine the scope of the problem and to apply problem-solving and crisis resolution techniques. Parent/guardian(s) will be informed of the crisis counseling activities and any future sessions will require consent for children ages 11 and under.
The role of the school counselor in regards to confidentiality is:

To support the students’ right to privacy and protect confidential information received from students, the family, guardians and staff members.
To explain the meaning and limits of confidentiality to students in developmentally appropriate terms.
To provide appropriate disclosure and informed consent regarding the counseling relationship and confidentiality.
To inform students and the family of the limits to confidentiality when:
Student poses a danger to self or others.
Court ordered disclosure.
Consulting with other professionals in support of the student, i.e., colleagues, supervisors, treatment teams, and other support personnel.
Privilege communication is not granted by state laws and local guidelines, i.e., school board policies.
To keep personal notes separate from educational records and not disclose their contents except when privacy exceptions exist.
To seek guidance from supervisors and appropriate legal advice when their records are subpoenaed.
To assert their belief that information shared by students is “confidential” and should not be revealed without the student’s consent.
To adhere to all laws protecting student records, health information, and special services, i.e., HIPAA, FERPA, IDEA.

Mission

The Davis Joint Unified Comprehensive School Counseling Program is staffed by professional school counselors who advocate, collaborate and facilitate to impact individual and systemic change. We ensure that every student has the knowledge and skills necessary for academic success and personal growth. As school counselors, we strive to empower students to embrace their full potential, to develop healthy lifestyles, and to achieve their academic, career and social/emotional goals.

Davis Joint Unified School Counselors believe:

• In meeting the needs of the whole child.
• All students should have equal access and opportunity.
• In providing critical support by connecting students to resources within and outside of the school system.
• All students contribute to the diversity of the school community and have the right to be treated with dignity and respect.
• All students can achieve.
• In nurturing resilience.
• In advocating for our students’ unique developmental needs.
• Every student should feel a sense of belonging and connectedness to their school.
• In collaborating and partnering with students, parents, teachers, administrators and the community.

Vision
All students from Davis Joint Unified School District are valued, accountable and productive members of society. They are adaptable lifelong learners who pursue educational and career goals with passion and excitement. Through involvement in the DJUSD comprehensive school counseling program, our students are empowered to be resilient and to master academic, social/emotional and career related skills necessary to negotiate the obstacles and challenges of life. They are able to utilize these skills to reach personal success and fulfillment. Our students are contributing and inclusive community members and advocates. Striving for healthy connections with others, they have meaningful relationships and feel a sense of belonging. They treat others with kindness, care and respect. They have fun and enjoy life.