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1Stage 1: Settle and learn

First 30-day checklist

Updated 2026-10-21 · By Meera Manikandan, Counselling Psychologist, Counseld

In shortGive each of your first four weeks one focus. Week 1, get clear: role, policies, crisis protocol, records and a private room. Week 2, get connected: teacher teams, key staff and a verified referral list. Week 3, get visible: class introductions, one SEL activity and simple templates. Week 4, get reflective: review your notes, find supervision and set three goals for the term.

Four weeks: get clear, get connected, get visible, get reflective. Tick items off as you go.

Week 1Get clear

  • Get your role in writing: who you report to, your timetable, what you are and are not expected to do.
  • Read the school’s counselling, child-protection and anti-bullying policies.
  • Get the written crisis protocol (see Safety first).
  • Find out what records you must keep, and where they may be stored.
  • Set up a private room with a door that closes and a lockable place for notes.

Week 2Get connected

  • Meet each teacher team for 15 minutes. Explain how to refer a student and what you can and cannot share.
  • Meet the school nurse, special educator and coordinators.
  • Start a referral contact list (therapists, paediatricians, psychiatrists, helplines). Verify every number.
  • Browse the Ministry of Education’s Manodarpan site and the UMMEED guidelines (see references).

Week 3Get visible

  • Introduce yourself to each class in an age-appropriate way. Say what you do and how to find you.
  • Run one simple SEL activity (CASEL sample activities are in the references).
  • Set up simple templates for session notes and referrals.

Week 4Get reflective

  • Read back your first notes. Are they short, factual and free of labels?
  • Arrange a supervisor, mentor or peer you can debrief with (no identifying details).
  • Note how you’re feeling at the start: energy, sleep, stress.
  • Write three goals for the term.

Counseld Starter Toolkit · Not a substitute for supervision or school policy.

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