Educational Psychology NIBPS/PSI Joint Careers Event 27 th February, 2016 Colm O Connor Educational Psychologist, NEPS
Outline Role of Educational Psychologist Training Employment NEPS
What is an Educational Psychologist? Educational Psychology Psychological and educational development of people in the education system. Includes students of any age, their parents or guardians and the people who work with them. Psycho-educational assessment, intervention and systemic work within the education setting. Training and research on related issues.
Educational Psychology Application of Psychology to Education Learning/Emotional/Behavioural Development Scientist-practitioner Model (EBP)
EP numbers 300-400 Educational Division of PSI 150+ PSI total 2000+
Main roles Work with children/young people, teachers, parents and other professionals Joint problem-solving approach Focus on SEN, Behavioural & Emotional difficulties Work in schools/units, Third Level Colleges and clinics Consultation, assessment, intervention Training, evaluation/research.
Becoming an Educational Psychologist Primary degree in psychology (2.1 +) Post-graduate qualification in Educational Psychology Some courses require a teaching qualification Chances of getting a place on a course can be enhanced +: Teaching experience or experience working with young people in an educational setting Experience working with students with disabilities Courses are currently offered in Ireland in: Queen's University, Belfast University College Dublin Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick
Training Doctorate in Educational Psychology, UCD Three year course Three academic years from September 2015. Information available from the UCD website. Full-time. Doctorate in Educational, Child & Adolescent Psychology, QUB Three years full time with placements including oversees elective Mary Immaculate College/NUI Limerick: MAEP (Commenced Sept. 2010) two years. Doctorate in Education and Child Psychology - This programme is currently with the University of Limerick Academic Programme Review Committee for consideration PhD for existing practitioners Feb 2009 UCD Top up Doctorate at UCD from September 2015 (Part-time) Teaching qualification no longer required for above courses
Applying for training? Minimum: Honours Degree in Psychology 2 yrs work experience with children And Additional experience Teaching Additional relevant qualifications Research competence
Employment Public sector NEPS City of Dublin and Co. Dublin VEC Psychological Service HSE Education and Library Boards, NI, (and other statutory/voluntary settings) Disability Services Teaching/Research Private Practice Other agencies/projects
NEPS 173 psychologists (Capped under the Employment Control Framework (ECF) late 2008/early2009 8 Regions Mission Statement Qualifications Systemic Work/Individual Casework RACE for SEC Screening Instruments Bio-Psycho-Social Model Panel SCPA Pilot Project 2012-2013- regarding Locum Psychologist
Range of Work (1) Consultative work: Working with teachers to help them work with pupils appropriately: Problem-solving regarding teaching style, behaviour management, programme planning Input to IEPs (Individual Educational Plans) In-service with groups of teachers Helping whole school staffs develop policies e.g. anti-bullying, critical incident management, behaviour management strategies/approaches Helping teachers screen for, identify and intervene with pupils with learning and/or emotional or behavioural difficulties
Range of Work (2) Working with individual pupils: Assessment Observation Interpretation of data collated (test results, teacher plans, IEP reviews, professional reports) Psychometric assessment Assessment of attainment/ developmental milestones reached Use of inventories, interview protocols with pupil, parent, teachers Statutory requirements: In ROI Disability Act In N, Ireland statutory assessment is in place
Range of Work (3) Intervention: Designing/advising on intervention programmes Supporting teachers/others in implementing them Helping with planning and review Keeping up-to-date with the literature and best practice in terms of intervention programmes Counselling pupils or providing supervision to guidance counsellors to do so Heading up a team for interventions (e.g. with out of school pupils, pupils with emotional and behavioural difficulties) Up-skilling teachers in interventions e.g. social skills groups Transitioning Critical Incidents supporting schools and parents
Snapshot of Work last Week Day Monday Tuesday Wednesday Type of Work Follow up Psychological assessment - RACE Query Case Conference regarding child with EBD and Social Anxiety. Consultation regarding Behavioural Plans Evening Friends for Life Presentation to parents Group Psycho-educational Assessment of child with behavioural difficulties Preparation regarding delivery of FRIENDS for Life Programme at Blackrock Education Centre Thursday DAY 1 - Delivery of FRIENDS For Life Resiliency Programme to 31 teachers Friday Day 2 Delivery of FRIENDS for Life Resiliency Programme Saturday Presentation at NIBPS/PSI Careers Event
Problem-Solving Process What is the concern? Starting Point Did it work? Review. Why is it happening? Information gathering and assessment. Generate Hypothesis How can we help? Planning and intervention.
Recent NEPS Publications www.education.gov.ie
Recent NEPS Publications cont.
Future trends? Training to Doctorate level in Ireland? Practitioner Doctorate? Shared training with Clinical psychology? Further information PSI Division of Educational Psychology www.psihq.ie Thank You