School psychologists are professional support personnel within the school division. Stafford School Psychologists are uniquely qualified members of school teams that support students’ ability to learn and teachers’ ability to teach. They apply expertise in mental health, learning, and behavior, to help children and youth succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally. School psychologists partner with families, teachers, school administrators, and other professionals to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments that strengthen connections between home, school, and the community. This internship will allow students to work in the school system under the supervision of such personnel.
Students who are interested should reach out to the contact listed below. Stafford Schools will then determine whether the internship can be offered in any particular semester. Interns may be assigned to different schools depending upon availability and may also be assigned to more than one school. That determination will be based on the request of the building principal and the site supervisor.
NOTE: Please be aware that due to issues of confidentiality and consent, you are unlikely to be able to observe any individual sessions or some other types of meetings between staff and students/families. You will still have opportunities to learn about this career, but you need to have realistic expectations for what you will and won’t be able to be a part of.
Duties
Depending on student preparation and the needs and opportunities at the agency, the student may participate in:
- Set up assessments
- Participate in Student Education Committee (SEC) meetings
- Help with Response to Intervention (RTI) process (academic support and data analysis)
- Observe/Assist with Developmental Screeners
- Behavioral observations in various settings
- Collect behavioral data and help with analysis
- Observe consultation with other providers and mental health support staff members
- Participate in trainings on various topics
Pre-Requisites
1. Must meet all UMW and Department of Psychological Science internship requirements.
2. Successful completion of a background check, fingerprinting, and a test for tuberculosis. Background check and fingerprinting coordinated and paid for Stafford County Schools.
3. Required courses:
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- PSYC 253 – Fundamentals of Learning and Motivation
- PSYC 211 – Psychopathology
- PSYC 231 – Infant and Child Development or PSYC 232 – Adolescent and Emerging Adult
4. Recommended courses:
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- PSYC 320 – Psychology of Exceptional Children and Youth
- PSYC 315 – Foundations of Clinical Psychology
Assessment
- 42 hours of work per credit hour (most interns do 3 credits with 126 hours of work)
- Grade is based on on-campus supervision, agency evaluation, reflective journal, and a final paper
Agency Contact
Internship Placement Coordinator
NOTE: Please indicate in your introduction email that you are interested in the School Psychology Internship
Elizabeth Wolff, Coordinator of Psychologists
(540) 658-6733