Is the Role of the School Psychologist in Early Childhood Truly Expanding? A National Survey Examining School Psychologists' Practices and Training Experiences. Issue 1 (2nd January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Albritton, Kizzy; Mathews, Rachel E.; Boyle, Sara G.
• Is Part Of: Journal of applied school psychology. Volume 35:Issue 1(2019)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 19
• Publication Date: 2019-01-02
• Subjects: Early childhood -- preschool -- school psychologists -- school psychology training; Educational psychology -- Periodicals; Education, Special -- Periodicals; 370.15
• DOI: 10.1080/15377903.2018.1462280
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1537-7903

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Historically, the role of school psychologists in early childhood settings has been limited to the identification and evaluation of children who may be in need of special education services under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. It has been suggested that the role should reflect a more proactive model; specifically, it should continue to expand to include involvement in school readiness and early intervention for all students. The purpose of this study was to examine the present role of school psychologists in early childhood settings and investigate the graduate-level training provided to school psychology graduate students. Results of the survey found that a significant percentage of school psychologist practitioners continue to spend a substantial portion of their professional time completing special education evaluations. Furthermore, respondents reported minimal to moderate graduate training in the area of early childhood populations. Implications for school psychology practitioners and school psychology graduate training programs are discussed.