PASCO COUNTY SCHOOLS (Land O' Lakes, FL)

The Student Services Department consists of school guidance counselors, school psychologists, school social workers, and school nurses. Our services are provided to all our elementary, middle, high and alternative schools. We support the basic educational programs of our schools and provide guidance, social, and health functions. We help students and teachers with every day student problems, as well as with a crisis that may arise. We also assist parents in coordinating their Home Education Programs. Student Services also receives all the School Choice applications and processes them. Our department provides prevention and intervention programs and services to foster a safe and drug free school environment. Our Guiding Principles:

• Effective Student Services programs are essential to students’ achievement of academic/career success and positive physical, personal/social development.
• Staff communication is essential for the smooth articulation and transition of students between programs, grade levels, schools and community.
• Student Services staff are most effective when organized into interdisciplinary teams that collaborate with students, families, schools and community.
• Program development and service delivery are based on assessed needs.
• Programs and services are based on the most current knowledge base and the latest research.
• A needs assessment, action plan, and outcome evaluation are critical to program success and future planning.
• Students need comprehensive and integrated services.
• Services should be prompt and convenient for student/family access.
• Effective Student Services programs are coordinated and implemented by appropriately trained and credentialed professionals in accordance with legal and ethical guidelines.
• Student Services staff maintain an awareness and respect for the unique needs, differences, and contributions of diverse populations.
• Services based on functions and skills rather than disciplines and titles are most effective.
• Student Services staff serve as effective student and family advocates.
• Students and families have a right to accept or decline services.
• Student Services are best delivered in stable cohesive groups where students and staff know and care about each other.
• Students and families benefit most when services are delivered in a safe and healthy learning environment emphasizing continuity of caring and continuous progress.
• Most prevention/education programs in Student Services are integrated or aligned with continuous progress and classroom instruction for maximum impact.
• Prevention is more efficient and effective than intervention and treatment.
• Student strengths guide the development of interventions.