MDA Guidance and Counselling Service Center

GUIDANCE CENTER OPERATING MANUAL

Updated and Revised as of June 2022

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. Introduction ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 2
1.1 Purpose of the Guidance Center
1.2 Scope of Services
1.3 Guiding Principles

II. Staff and Roles ………………………………………………………………………………………….. 2

2.1 Guidance Counselors/ Advocates
2.2 Support Staff

III. Student Services ……………………………………………………………………………………... 2-3

3.1 Individual Counseling
3.2 Group Counseling
3.3 Career Counseling
3.4 Academic Advisement
3.5 Crisis Intervention
3.6 Referral Services

IV. Programs and Activities …………………………………………………………………………….. 3-4

4.1 Information Service
4.2 Psychological Testing and Assessment Service
4.3 Inventory Services
4.4 Counselling Service
4.5 Student Development Program
4.6 Research and Evaluation Service
4.7 Follow-Up Services
4.8 Parent Education Program
4.9 Homeroom Guidance
4.10 Spiritual Enhancement Program

V. Program Mechanics …………………………………………………………………………………. 4-5

5.1 Confidentiality and Privacy
5.2 Appointment System
5.3 Assessment and Evaluation
5.4 Documentation and Record Keeping
5.5 Collaboration with School Personnel
5.6 Professional Development

VI. Schedule of Services ………………………………………………………………………………… 5

6.1 Office Hours
6.2 Availability of Counselors
6.3 Group Counseling Schedule
6.4 Program and Activity Calendar

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 MDA Guidance and Counselling Service Center
GUIDANCE CENTER OPERATING MANUAL
Updated and Revised as of June 2022

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Purpose of the Guidance Center

The Guidance Center at Monlimar Development Academy Inc. aims to support the
academic, career, personal, and social development of students. It provides a safe and
confidential environment where students can seek guidance and counseling services
to enhance their overall well-being and achieve their full potential.

1.2 Scope of Services

The Guidance Center offers a wide range of services, including individual and group
counseling, career counseling, academic advisement, crisis intervention, and referral
services. It collaborates with students, parents, teachers, and other school personnel
to foster a positive and nurturing learning environment.

1.3 Guiding Principles

The Guidance Center is guided by the principles of confidentiality, empathy, respect,
and inclusivity. It upholds ethical standards and maintains the privacy of students while
providing them with professional and effective support.

STAFF AND ROLES

2.1 Guidance Counselors/ Advocates

The Guidance and Counselling Service Center of Monlimar Development Academy
Inc. is staffed by trained and licensed guidance counselors who are responsible for
delivering counseling services to students. They provide individual and group
counseling, conduct assessments, offer career guidance, and collaborate with
teachers and parents to support student development.

2.2 Support Staff

The support staff in the Guidance Center assists with administrative tasks,
appointment scheduling, and maintaining records. They ensure smooth operations and
facilitate efficient service delivery.

STUDENT SERVICES

3.1 Individual Counseling

Individual counseling sessions provide students with a confidential space to discuss
personal, academic, or emotional concerns. Counselors employ various therapeutic
techniques to help students explore their feelings, develop coping strategies, and set
goals for personal growth.

3.2 Peer or Group Counseling

Group counseling sessions address common concerns shared by a group of students.
These sessions promote peer support, enhance social skills, and provide a forum for
students to share experiences and learn from one another.

3.3 Career Counseling

Career counseling assists students in exploring career options, making informed
decisions, and planning their academic and professional paths. Counselors provide
guidance on college admissions, vocational training, job search strategies, and
developing essential career skills.

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 3.4 Academic Advisement
Academic advisement sessions help students navigate their educational journey.
Counselors assist with course selection, academic planning, study skills, time
management, and goal setting to optimize academic success.

3.5 Crisis Intervention

Crisis intervention services are available to students facing immediate emotional or
psychological distress. Counselors provide support, assess the situation, and take
appropriate action to ensure the safety and well-being of the students.

3.6 Referral Services

The Guidance and Counselling Service Center maintains a network of external
resources and professionals to whom students can be referred for specialized
assistance beyond the scope of the center's services. Counselors facilitate appropriate
referrals to ensure comprehensive support for students.

PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES

4.1 Information Service

The MDA-GCSC offers a diverse selection of educational resources to familiarize
students with the school's vision, mission, goals, and other important aspects of its
functioning. These materials aim to aid students in effectively organizing their
educational program, as well as to support them in resolving personal and academic
challenges they may encounter.

4.2 Psychological Testing and Assessment Service

Standardized assessments are conducted with the aim of gathering information about
students' abilities, intellect, character traits, behaviors, areas of interest, and
accomplishments. The primary purpose is to assess and assess their practical abilities
and level of accountability. This evaluation process plays a crucial role in fostering
students' self-awareness, self-guidance, and overall growth and progress.

4.3 Inventory Services

The primary purpose of collecting and documenting student personal data is to create
a convenient resource that encompasses their personal and academic background,
along with their personality profile. This information proves highly valuable during
regular interviews, case conferences, individual counseling sessions, and serves as a
point of reference for the school's alumni directory.

4.4 Counselling Service

This service offers a flexible and interactive approach to problem-solving, allowing
students to engage in face-to-face sessions with a Guidance Counsellor. Through
these sessions, students are empowered to gain insights into their problems,
understand them better, and accept them. They are also supported in making
independent and practical decisions that impact both their present and future.
Additionally, this service is not limited to students alone; faculty members, non-
academic personnel, and parents can also benefit from it.

To ensure that students receive the support they need, school administrations,
faculty members, non-academic personnel, and parents are encouraged to refer
students to the Guidance Center for counselling whenever necessary.

The Counselling services provided to students encompass individual, group, and

intervention counselling, catering to their unique needs and circumstances.

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 4.5 Student Development Program
Seminars, workshops, training sessions, and symposia are organized with the aim of
improving students' knowledge and comprehension of various important topics such
as personality development, leadership skills, stress management, interviews, team
building, productivity enhancement in organizations, career guidance, and other
relevant subjects. These activities are designed to raise awareness among students
and provide them with a deeper understanding of these crucial aspects.

4.6 Research and Evaluation Service

This service feature involves the conduct of studies and their assessment as a tool for
data presentation and possible development or innovation concerning various
guidance services and activities. Likewise, this service shall provide information
concerning student psychological test profiles and such other studies that employ
statistical methodologies, questionnaires, interviews and other research tools.

4.7 Follow-Up Services

For the purpose of monitoring and control, the Guidance Center continuously evaluates
its services and programs, cases, activities and studies. By keeping track of the
activities as well as the adjustment and progress of the students, the Guidance Center
is assured of favorable and fruitful results.

4.8 Parent Education Programs

The Guidance Center collaborates with parents by organizing workshops and
informational sessions to enhance their understanding of student development,
parenting strategies, and how to support their child's academic and personal growth.

4.9 Homeroom Guidance

Homeroom Guidance Program provides wholesome learning experiences in the
classroom that will foster positive attitudes, behaviors and values and improve
relationship between teachers and students.

It provides opportunities for the reinforcement of good manners and right conduct. The
Homeroom Guidance Period is a once a week, one-hour meeting. It provides
opportunities, learning experiences, and meaningful activities to develop and enhance
the students' behavioral, affective, and social skills.

4.10 Spiritual Enhancement Program

The goals of the Spiritual Enhancement Program are to foster the holistic growth and
well-being of individuals by providing them with a nurturing and supportive
environment that encourages spiritual exploration, personal reflection, and inner
transformation.

Through a combination of counseling techniques, mindfulness practices, and

meaningful engagement with various spiritual traditions, the program aims to
empower individuals to deepen their self-awareness, cultivate a sense of purpose
and meaning in life, and develop a strong connection to their inner selves and the
broader spiritual dimensions of existence.

By integrating spirituality into the counseling process, the program seeks to promote
emotional healing, resilience, and a greater sense of fulfillment, enabling individuals
to lead more purposeful and authentic lives.

PROGRAM MECHANICS

5.1 Confidentiality and Privacy

The Guidance Center ensures the confidentiality and privacy of student information
shared during counseling sessions, adhering to ethical and legal standards.
Exceptions to confidentiality are clearly communicated to students to maintain
transparency and trust.

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 5.2 Appointment System
An appointment system is in place to manage counseling sessions effectively. Students
can schedule appointments through the Guidance Center's designated channels.
Urgent or crisis situations are given priority, ensuring immediate support.

5.3 Assessment and Evaluation

Counselors employ various assessment tools to evaluate student needs, strengths, and
areas for growth. These assessments aid in formulating personalized counseling plans
and monitoring student progress over time.

5.4 Documentation and Record Keeping

Counselors maintain accurate and secure records of counseling sessions,
assessments, and interventions. Records are handled confidentially and stored in
accordance with legal requirements and best practices.

5.5 Collaboration with School Personnel

The Guidance Center collaborates with teachers, administrators, and other school
personnel to provide comprehensive support to students. Regular communication and
consultation are fostered to ensure a holistic approach to student development.

5.6 Professional Development

Guidance counselors engage in ongoing professional development activities to
enhance their knowledge and skills. This includes attending conferences, workshops,
and training sessions related to counseling, mental health, and education.

SCHEDULE OF SERVICES

6.1 Office Hours

The Guidance and Counselling Service Center's office hours are from 8:00 AM to 5:00
PM, Monday to Friday. During these hours, students, parents, and other stakeholders
can visit the center for inquiries and appointments.

6.2 Availability of Counselors

Counselors are available for scheduled appointments during office hours. Emergency
or crisis situations are attended to promptly, with appropriate support provided.

6.3 Group Counseling Schedule

Group counseling sessions are scheduled throughout the academic year, addressing
specific topics and concerns relevant to students. The schedule for these sessions is
communicated to students and teachers in advance.

6.4 Program and Activity Calendar

The Guidance Center maintains a program and activity calendar, which is shared with
the school community. This calendar highlights upcoming workshops, seminars,
orientation programs, college fairs, and other events organized by the center.

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