Training Resources

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Since the University of South Carolina is located in the state capitol, nearly every state agency relevant to the training of school psychologists is located in the city (e.g., Departments of Education, Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, Juvenile Justice, Governor's Office), many within walking distance of the campus. The School Psychology program also enjoys a collegial, working relationship with the USC School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics.

The program has had an excellent relationship with the school districts in the state since its inception. The first program director, Dr. Ralph Tindall, had an appointment with the largest school district in Columbia (Richland County School District No. 1). The local schools provide a broad range of training options based on size, racial composition, rural-urban, and SES level. Within a 20-minute drive of the university are schools with more than 75% African-American population, schools of military dependents, rural schools, and schools located in the most affluent town in the state. The majority of practicum activities are carried out in these local schools under the supervision of university faculty and field supervisors. Nearly all these supervisors are program graduates. These schools also provide research opportunities and assistantship sites.

A variety of private schools and federal independent schools at Fort Jackson are used for field training in the assessment courses. The University's Children's Center is a preschool facility serving children from low SES backgrounds and children of faculty and staff. This center is used in coordination with some of the activities of intervention and assessment classes.

The region has numerous practicum and assistantship sites in mental health and social service delivery agencies available. These include child and adolescent in-patient and out-patient programs, community mental health centers, juvenile justice facilities, residential programs for autistic children, shelters for homeless children, and community-based programs for children and adults with developmental disabilities. The following is a sample of sites used in recent years:

• South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice
• Lexington Area Mental Health Center
• Rape Crisis Network
• William S. Hall Psychiatric Institute
• Richland County School District No. 1
• Richland County School District No. 2
• Lexington County School District No. 1
• Lexington County School District No. 2
• Lexington County School District No. 5
• Pinegrove School
• The Nurturing Center
• Palmetto Richland Hospital - Children's Immunology Clinic and Brain Tumor Clinic
• Center for Developmental Disabilities of USC School of Medicine
• Institute for Families in Society

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