Department Philosophy

The students of Colegio Internacional de Caracas not only face the same developmental challenges of all children and adolescents growing up in a complicated world, but must also cope with the unique opportunities and difficulties of a transient lifestyle. The purpose of the Counseling Department of Colegio Internacional de Caracas is to promote the physical and emotional well-being of our students and help them resolve problems that impact on their learning. In order to accomplish this mission, the Counseling Department develops and delivers a comprehensive counseling program to grades 4-12, following the standards, goals, and ethical principles of the American School Counseling Association (ASCA).

Our Faculty

Zoe Tosteson Losada, Ed.S., NCC—Department Head, grades 6-12.
Marlene Fuenmayor, psychologist—grades PN and 5
Stephan Ramsammy—records management, grades 6-12

Counseling Services

In accordance with Colegio Internacional de Caracas’ commitment to standards-based education, the counselors have chosen to base the counseling curriculum on the standards, goals, and objectives developed for comprehensive school counseling programs by the American School Counseling Association (2004). The program is designed to enhance student learning and is driven by data about student needs. In accordance with the ASCA framework, counselors should dedicate 80% of their time to activities that provide direct services to students, divided into the following areas:

School Guidance Curriculum, which, in C.I.C. is provided by the Wellness Program in grades 6-12 and the Classroom Counseling Program in grades 3-5. This is a sequential, planned program designed to teach concepts related to mental, physical, and social development, reduce health risks, and promote the use of effective interpersonal communication to increase mental, physical, and social well-being.

Individual student planning: the counselors work directly with students and coordinate on-going school-wide programs to help them develop personal goals as well as future professional and educational plans.

Responsive services: counselors work with all members of the schools community, including the administration, teacher, parents, and staff, to ensure the well-being of each student and address issues that are negatively affecting student leaning and development. Counselors maintain contact with outside professionals for referrals for additional consultation and support, if necessary, and individual, small, and large group counseling is provided to address specific concerns.

System support: the counselors are actively involved in professional development and consultation with other professionals in order to enhance the opportunities and effectiveness of the counseling program in C.I.C.