Help us improve our NEW website! Your feedback makes it better.

Support Roles

Guidance Counsellors

School guidance counsellors have specialized training which other teachers do not have.  School counsellors have completed a graduate degree in counselling, similar to the training which counsellors in mental health settings have.  A teacher in a guidance role who does not have this training is called a guidance teacher. 

School counsellors are also responsible for implementing the Comprehensive and Developmental School Counselling Program.  This program has four parts: the guidance curriculum, individual planning, responsive services, and program support. 

Your child may see the school counsellor in class teaching lessons on career preparation, character education, or mental health.

The school counsellor will work with other teachers and parents to develop plans for students. At high school, this includes working with students on post-secondary planning.

School counsellors offer many counselling services, including personal counselling, crisis counselling, career counselling, and group counselling. School counsellors are able to refer students with more complex mental health needs, such as trauma or a mental health disorder, to the Integrated Service Delivery Child and Youth Team, where a more specialized counsellor can work with the student.

Guidance teachers do not offer counselling services, though they may support students in other ways, such as providing information, advocating for the student, or teaching skills.

The school counsellor will be involved in special events at the school, such as information about post-secondary and career options.

Education Assistants (EAs)

EAs have a vital role in our inclusive school system.  They provide valuable services in helping ensure students can attend school and in creating a safe, positive learning environment.  Schools depend on the work of these paraprofessionals each day to provide quality education to their students. 

Though educational assistants can have a number of roles, they are allocated to schools based on student needs for medical care, personal care, and safety concerns. They may also, under the direction and supervision of a teacher, assist students with learning needs.   

How can my child get an EA?

School-based Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs)

Speech-language pathologists, or SLPs, collaborate with teachers and caregivers to help support curriculum objectives for students. They identify underlying speech, language or communications needs and work closely with school teams to create learning plans that help students’ reading, writing, speaking and listening. Learn more in this video​ from the NB Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists.

Integrated Service Delivery (ISD) – Child & Youth Teams

Integrated Service Delivery, or ISD, is the partnership between Education, Addictions & Mental Health, Social Development, and Public Safety to coordinate services for children and youth.  

An important component of ISD are the nine Child & Youth Teams located across the district.  These teams are made up of caring professionals with training in counselling, social work, school and clinical psychology, education, nursing, mental health, and addictions. These professionals specialize in working with children and youth, and their families.

If you believe your child or youth could benefit from services offered by an ISD Child & Youth team, you may discuss it with your school counsellor, or contact a team directly at one of the following numbers:  

Sussex:  506-432-2217 child’s school.

Charlotte County:  506-466-7380

Saint John:  506-658-3737