Overview
of Services
The Office of School Psychology
Services is responsible for providing leadership, guidance, and
supervision to psychologists in FCPS. School psychologists are
highly trained specialists in human growth and development, educational
psychology, education, mental health and learning and behavioral
change. Their training and experience enable them to collaborate
with other school personnel and parents to enhance children's
learning and social-emotional development and adjustment. They
promote the application of research-based psychological principles
to assist in program development, instruction, and evaluation.
Psychologists also serve with others as problem solvers in facilitating
positive changes in learning environments, attitudes, and motivation
in order to assist children to succeed academically, socially,
and as good citizens.
The Office of School Psychology
is also responsible for the management and operations of the
Preschool Diagnostic Centers and Audiological Services at Devonshire
and Lorton Centers. Four teams of diagnosticians including psychologists,
social workers, speech/language clinicians, and educational specialists
evaluate preschool children to determine their eligibility for
special education services. They also provide support for parents
who are seeking services from community resources. More than
850 children are evaluated at the preschool diagnostic centers
each year. Clinical audiologists conduct periodic evaluations
of children with hearing impairments using state-of-the-art technology,
calibrate hearing aids, and consult with private practitioners
at the request of parents.
