FAQ
Frequently
Asked
Questions
Who are school art therapists?
School art therapist are mental health practitioners trained in both art and psychology to provide counseling services to help students at risk access their education and reach their developmental potential.
How does art therapy, art education, school counseling and school psychology differ?
Art Therapy helps students identify and reconcile emotional conflicts using art processes as the modality for communication, evaluation and treatment.
Art education teaches students how to produce, understand, evaluate and appreciate aesthetic productions.
School counseling relies heavily upon verbal communication to help students understand their feelings and adopt socially acceptable behaviors.
School psychology
emphasizes evaluation and
placement of students for diagnostic and prescriptive purposes.
Why are there art therapists in Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS)?
Art therapists are
in M-DCPS to help students identified as having emotional difficulties
access their education. As a modality that attends to both verbal and
non-verbal expressions of feelings, art therapy is used as a vehicle for
communication to help students develop insights, resolve emotional conflicts
and make positive behavioral changes. Master art therapists in M-DCPS are
trained to observe and analyze a student's behaviors and art products, and
to design and implement treatment plans. They work as an integral member of
the educational team and as a support to the teaching staff.
What students receive art therapy services in M-DCPS?
Student identified as having emotional difficulties and placed in special psycho-educational programs are eligible for art therapy services. Art therapy is an adjunctive service. Students receiving art therapy need to meet criteria for this service. Criteria includes: (1) a strong recommendation from a school psychologist, social worker or other mental health practitioner stating that non-traditional forms of therapy may best meet the student's needs, (2) an observation or recommendation that recognizes the student's tendency to gravitate towards art and /or expressive media and, (3) artistic development beyond the scribble stage.
How are art therapy services delivered?
M-DCPS clinical art therapists provide individual and small group counseling services. They do not teach classes.
Do art therapists in M-DCPS need state teaching certification?
Yes, M-DCPS require
that art therapists have or are eligible with additional course work to
receive Florida teaching certification in art or a related field.
When did art therapy begin in M-DCPS?
M-DCPS' clinical art therapy program began with a pilot program in 1979. It has consistently grown throughout the years. Presently, there are 18 art therapists providing services to approximately 400 students countywide.
What are the requirements for employment as an art therapist in M-DCPS?
In addition to a Florida teaching certificate or a potential for certification with additional course work, the minimum requirements for M-DCPS clinical art therapists are a masters' degree in art therapy with eligibility for registration with the American Art Therapy Association and board certification from the American Art Therapy Association Credentialing Board. Presently, over half of the M-DCPS clinical art therapists are board certified.
What are the salaries for M-DCPS art therapists?
Salaries are commensurate with teachers' salaries. Years of experience and degrees granted beyond the bachelor's degree are awarded on a progressive scale.
Where can you find additional information?