Every child experiences challenges throughout their educational journey. Whether they are struggling academically, having difficulty managing their emotions, or experiencing behavioral challenges, understanding what is contributing to these difficulties is an important part of helping them succeed. However, many parents may not know exactly what school psychologists do or how they can help their children.
During National School Psychology Week, November 9–13, 2026, the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) is recognizing the important role school psychologists play in supporting children, families, and schools. This year's theme, “Inspire Connection,” highlights how building meaningful relationships and working together can help children succeed both inside and outside the classroom.
What Is School Psychology?
School psychology is a field that combines psychology, education, and child development to better understand how children learn, behave, and grow.
School psychologists look at more than just a child's academic performance. They also consider their cognitive abilities, emotional well-being, behavior, and the different environments that may influence their development.
For example, a child who is struggling in school may be experiencing learning difficulties, challenges with attention, or emotional concerns that make it harder to participate in the classroom. By looking at these different areas, school psychologists can better understand what may be contributing to the child's difficulties.
The goal is not only to identify challenges but also to recognize each child's strengths and find ways to support their individual needs.
What Do School Psychologists Do?
Many people associate school psychologists with testing and evaluations. While assessments are an important part of their work, school psychologists do much more than that!
Depending on their role and work setting, school psychologists may provide support in several areas:
Psychological and Educational Assessments
School psychologists conduct evaluations to better understand a child's learning, cognitive abilities, behavior, and social-emotional functioning.
These evaluations may involve standardized testing, observations, interviews, and information gathered from parents and teachers. The results can help identify areas where a child may need additional support and guide recommendations for their learning and development.
Academic and Learning Support
When children struggle academically, school psychologists can help identify what may be making learning difficult and recommend strategies to support their progress.
For example, if a child is having difficulty with reading or mathematics, a school psychologist may work with educators to better understand the student's needs and identify appropriate interventions.
Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Support
School psychologists also support children who experience challenges with anxiety, emotional regulation, attention, peer relationships, or behavior.
Depending on their training and setting, they may provide counseling, behavioral interventions, or recommendations for additional services to help children develop the skills they need to navigate these challenges.
Working With Families and Educators
Supporting children often requires teamwork! School psychologists collaborate with parents, teachers, and other professionals to better understand a child's needs and develop strategies that can be used across different environments.
By working together, families and educators can provide more consistent support and help children make progress toward their goals.
When Might a Child Benefit From School Psychology Services?
Sometimes, it can be difficult for parents to know whether their child's struggles are part of typical development or whether additional support may be helpful.
Some common concerns that school psychologists can help address include:
- Academic difficulties: Struggling with reading, writing, mathematics, or understanding classroom instruction.
- Attention and organization: Difficulty concentrating, staying organized, managing time, or completing assignments.
- Behavioral challenges: Frequent emotional outbursts, difficulty following expectations, or challenges managing behavior.
- Social-emotional concerns: Anxiety, difficulty managing emotions, challenges with friendships, or changes in school participation.
- Developmental and learning differences: Concerns about a child's development, learning abilities, or need for individualized support.
Experiencing these challenges does not automatically mean a child has a learning disability or psychological disorder. However, if these difficulties continue or begin interfering with everyday activities, seeking additional guidance can help families better understand their child's needs.
School Psychology Is More Than Identifying Challenges
One of the most important parts of school psychology is understanding that every child has different strengths, abilities, and areas where they may need support.
For example, a child who struggles with reading may have strengths in problem-solving, creativity, or other areas of learning. Understanding both their strengths and challenges can help parents and educators find strategies that work best for them.
School psychologists also focus on early intervention and prevention. Rather than waiting until difficulties become more significant, identifying concerns and providing support early can help children develop important academic, emotional, and behavioral skills.
Inspiring Connection Between Home and School
This year's National School Psychology Week theme, “Inspire Connection,” emphasizes something that is especially important in school psychology: the connection between children, their families, and educators.
Children spend much of their time at home and school, and their experiences in both environments can influence how they learn and develop.
For example, parents may notice behaviors or concerns at home that teachers do not see in the classroom. Similarly, teachers may recognize academic or social difficulties that are less noticeable outside of school.
By sharing these different perspectives, parents, educators, and school psychologists can develop a better understanding of the child and work together to identify appropriate support.
Helping Children Thrive at School and Beyond
School psychology goes beyond testing, academic performance, or identifying learning difficulties. It focuses on understanding the whole child and recognizing how their learning, emotions, behavior, and environment all contribute to their development.
Through assessments, interventions, and collaboration with families and educators, school psychologists help children work through challenges while building on their individual strengths.
As we celebrate National School Psychology Week, we hope to bring greater awareness to the many ways school psychologists support children and their families.
By working together and building meaningful connections, we can help children develop the skills and support they need to succeed at school, at home, and beyond.
