Primary Intervention Program
(PIP)
Special Friend Program
All children have social and emotional needs, and most of these needs are met through the home, school, and the play environment. Sometimes, however, a child may have needs which require additional attention. These needs may arise from a family change, such as birth, illness, divorce, move, etc. Additionally, some children may be a little shy, withdrawn, or overly active and may need help in finding new, more effective ways to express feelings in positive ways.
What Is the Primary Intervention Program?
The program is designed to supplement the educational experience and personal development of young school children, kindergarten through third grade. This is accomplished through early awareness of, and attention to behavioral, emotional, or learning difficulties.
The program is designed to supplement the educational experience and personal development of young school children, kindergarten through third grade. This is accomplished through early awareness of, and attention to behavioral, emotional, or learning difficulties.
What Are Its Purposes?
To help your child get a good start in school by providing a nurturing atmosphere that encourages a healthy self-image and positive social skills, thereby improving school adjustment and academic achievement. The P.I.P. program follows eight principles and guidelines:
To help your child get a good start in school by providing a nurturing atmosphere that encourages a healthy self-image and positive social skills, thereby improving school adjustment and academic achievement. The P.I.P. program follows eight principles and guidelines:
- Develop a warm, friendly relationship with the child.
- Accept the child exactly as he or she is.
- Recognize and reflect the child's feelings.
- Respect the child's ability to solve his or her own problems.
- The child leads the way.
- Change is a gradual process.
- Establish only necessary limits.
Who Are “Special Friends”?
Special Friends are carefully selected and trained professionals who work under the supervision of a consulting mental health supervisor. They provide non-directive play sessions for children that are designed to establish a positive, meaningful relationship to reduce school and any other adjustment difficulties.
Special Friends are carefully selected and trained professionals who work under the supervision of a consulting mental health supervisor. They provide non-directive play sessions for children that are designed to establish a positive, meaningful relationship to reduce school and any other adjustment difficulties.
How Does the Program Work?
Each child in the program is assigned to a child development associate who plays with the child in the “Special Friend” room for 30-40 minutes once a week. This room is set up so that the child and his or her Special Friend can be involved in various activities including drawing, painting, play, games, etc. The Primary Intervention Program is a school-based program designed to help primary kindergarten through third grade children adapt to a school environment and to enhance their personal development by:
Each child in the program is assigned to a child development associate who plays with the child in the “Special Friend” room for 30-40 minutes once a week. This room is set up so that the child and his or her Special Friend can be involved in various activities including drawing, painting, play, games, etc. The Primary Intervention Program is a school-based program designed to help primary kindergarten through third grade children adapt to a school environment and to enhance their personal development by:
- increasing their self-esteem
- recognize and reflect their feelings
- improving their ability to express themselves
The program provides children with the exclusive attention of a nonjudgmental, trusting adult in a safe environment at school. Through non-directive play techniques in a specially equipped room, the Special Friend facilitates the child's self-direction, self-exploration, and self-growth. Non-directed play describes a method by which a trained professional play with the child, but let’s that child lead and be the sole decision-maker of their play time together. The adult supports the child without directing his or her choice of activities. Through self-directed play, young children are able to identify and learn to solve some of their own problems.
The Magic of Play!
Play is a child's way of communicating. It provides a means for children to express what they feel, when sometimes they may not have the words. It is a vehicle for the development of important skills. Play also helps a child learn coordination and social skills, as well as enhance their attention and concentration. It provides an avenue to build up self-esteem and increases self-confidence. Play is about learning and having fun. The goal of the Primary Intervention Program is non-direct play to recognize and reflect the child's feelings.
All children have social and emotional needs, and most of these needs are met through the home, school, and the play environment. Sometimes, however, a child may have needs which require additional attention. These needs may arise from a family change, such as birth, illness, divorce, move, etc. Additionally, some children may be a little shy, withdrawn, or overly active and may need help in finding new, more effective ways to express feelings in positive ways.
All children have social and emotional needs, and most of these needs are met through the home, school, and the play environment. Sometimes, however, a child may have needs which require additional attention. These needs may arise from a family change, such as birth, illness, divorce, move, etc. Additionally, some children may be a little shy, withdrawn, or overly active and may need help in finding new, more effective ways to express feelings in positive ways.