Announcements

Counseling Week, Feb. 26, 2026

 

National School Counseling Week 2026, “School Counselors Amplify Student Success,” sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), will be celebrated from Feb. 2–6, 2026, to focus public attention on the unique contribution of school counselors within U.S. school systems and how students are different as a result of what school counselors do. National School Counseling Week highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career.

 

The special week honoring school counselors provides recognition for school counselors who implement comprehensive school counseling programs, a vital part of the educational process for all students as they meet the challenges of the 21st century.

 

“School counselors work with all students to remove barriers to learning by addressing students’ academic concerns, career options and social/emotional skills,” said Jill Cook, ASCA executive director. “School counseling programs help to increase student achievement and provide a much-needed resource for students, parents, teachers and administrators. School counselors are integral to student success.”

 

More than 100,000 school counselors nationwide will be participating in the week’s festivities. Many schools will be hosting special events and activities to call attention to the countless benefits of a comprehensive school counseling program.

 

About the American School Counselor Association

The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) promotes student success by expanding the image and influence of school counseling through leadership, advocacy, collaboration and systemic change. ASCA helps school counselors guide their students toward academic achievement, career planning and social/emotional development to help today’s students become tomorrow’s productive, contributing members of society. Founded in 1952, ASCA has a network of 53 state and territory associations and a membership of approximately 43,000 school counseling professionals. For additional information on the American School Counselor Association, visit schoolcounselor.org.

 

 
Comprehensive Health and Prevention Programs

Comprehensive Health and Prevention Programs (CHPP) assists schools and districts in supporting academic achievement and healthy behavioral outcomes for students. CHPP focuses upon the establishment of healthy, positive, safe and supportive school environments. CHPP provides professional development, leadership, consultation and technical assistance to Ventura County districts and schools.


General areas of focus for professional development, leadership, consultation and technical assistance include: 

  • Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs Prevention Education 
  • Bullying Prevention and Intervention 
  • California Healthy Kids, School Climate and Parent Survey
  • Multi-tiered Systems of Support
  • Positive School Culture and Climate 
  • Prevention and Early Intervention for Mental Health and Wellness
  • Restorative Justice 
  • Substance Use Services
  • Social and Emotional Learning
  • Suicide Awareness and Prevention
  • Trauma-informed Practices
  • Wellness Centers
  • Youth Development
  • Youth Mental Health

The department collaborates and partners with Ventura County Behavioral Health, Ventura County Public Health, and other community agencies and other departments within VCOE to plan, develop and implement programs and activities designed to support and enhance student health, well-being and positive school culture and climate.