Do Not Forget!
(1) Get a Tuberculosis Test and Staff ID for Practica
In order to comply with state regulations, students must show written proof of a negative PPD Tuberculin Test before working in the schools. The test is valid for three years, so it is wise to retain a copy of the tuberculin test for future use. Students may have the test administered by their physician, a public health clinic, or at the Student Health Center on campus. There is a $5.00 charge to students who have this service performed at the health center.
Most schools also require that all members of their staff, including practicum students and interns, wear an identification tag (with photo). The ID tag can be obtained, at no cost, from the Office of Clinical Studies (200 Academy St., Suite 111). You need to obtain your ID tag before you begin your first practicum. The course instructor for the practicum will inform you of the place, and time, for you to obtain it. If you lose your ID tag, it will cost you $25 to replace it. The tag is good for each semester of practica.
(2) Obtain Professional Liability Insurance Coverage
It is recommended that students obtain professional liability insurance, particularly for practica and internship. Such insurance is relatively inexpensive for members of NASP. An application form is available online at www.nasponline.org.
(3) Think About Continuing Education Activities
Education is a lifelong experience. The school psychology program is committed to providing the highest quality of education. As part of this commitment, we strive to offer an active learning environment and opportunities that promote the continuing education of practicing school psychologists throughout the state of Delaware. Often, we offer courses beyond the regular school psychology curriculum that fit the needs of professionals working in the field. These courses are generally offered during the summer when tuition is free for Delaware teachers and school psychologists. The faculty also works cooperatively with DASP to provide a high-quality, annual state convention, which students are expected to attend. Likewise, interns are required to outline their professional development goals and to document activities for obtaining these goals. Graduates are encouraged to pursue their professional development through workshops, coursework, etc. Upon graduating from the program, students should apply for national certification (NCSP), which requires 75 hours of continuing education every three years.
(4) Join Professional Organizations in School Psychology
- National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). NASP is committed to enhancing the profession of school psychology and promoting the rights, welfare, education, and mental health of youth. With a membership of over 20,000, NASP is the primary professional organization for school psychologists. NASP publishes School Psychology Review, a professional journal, and the Communique, a newsletter. All students are expected to join NASP as a beginning step in their commitment to continuing professional development. Our NASP student leader for the 2010-2011 school year is Gabi Koury (gkoury@udel.com). As our representative, she communicates with classmates about the roles and benefits of NASP, recruits new members, and organizes a school psychology awareness week event. She also passes along resources, information and professional development opportunities related to school psychology. Application forms for membership are available online at www.nasponline.org.
- APA, Division of School Psychology (Division 16). With a membership of approximately 2,500, the Division has supported efforts that encourage research in the application of psychology to schooling and to improve the lives of children. Division 16 publishes a professional journal School Psychology Quarterly, and a newsletter, The School Psychologist.
- Delaware Association of School Psychologists (DASP). The Delaware Association of School Psychologists (DASP) represents approximately 100 practicing school psychologists in the state. DASP sponsors periodic workshops, dinner meetings, and an annual spring convention. All students are expected to join DASP (student membership fee is only $5.00). Membership forms are available online at dasponline.org.
