Mission Statement

It is the mission of the Nazareth Area School District School Psychology Department to promote educationally and psychologically healthy environments for all children and youth by implementing research-based, effective programs that prevent problems, enhance independence, and promote optimal learning.

• Encourage goal setting of students, parents, and all collaborating team members by focusing on the strengths that can be found in all children. Promote safe school environments and respond in the event of a crisis with supportive interventions.

• Promote family, educational, and community collaboration. Stay connected to families in the community in order to understand the child as a product of many different systems.

• Provide support for children, both psychologically and academically in order to assist all children to realize their potential.

• Facilitate team collaboration and problem-solving with the active participation of school, family, and community.

• Continually develop as a professional by staying current with advancement in the field of School Psychology through ongoing research in evidence-based practices 

• According to the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), “school psychologists help children and youth succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. They collaborate with educators, parents, and other professionals to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments for all students that strengthen connections between home and school.
• School psychologists are highly trained in both psychology and education. They must complete a minimum of a post-Master’s degree program that includes a year-long internship and emphasizes preparation in mental health, child development, school organization, learning styles and processes, behavior motivation, and effective teaching. School psychologists work with students individually and in groups.
• They also develop programs to train teachers and parents regarding effective teaching and learning strategies, effective techniques to manage behavior at home and in the classroom, working with students with disabilities or with special talents, abuse of drugs and other substances, and preventing and managing crises.”
• School psychologists provide the following services: Consultation, Evaluation, Intervention, Prevention, and Research & Planning.