Most students yearn for that one-to-one time with a caring role model in the playroom. Primary Project is a life changing experience for our children.

School Principal

 

For Primary Project Teams

Guidelines for Program Implementation

In response to COVID-19, we are pleased to share Guidelines for Program Implementation during COVID-19. These guidelines are to be used in conjunction with the Primary Project Best Practices Rubric. See resources below for both.

A program flyer highlighting the importance of Primary Project given the current circumstances is also available. This may help advocate for continuing the program even during these uncertain times. See resources below.

We invite you to connect with other schools and Children’s Institute through our Facebook page. Check back here for additional resources and updates.

AUDIENCE

Teachers and parents of pre-k through third grade children who may be experiencing school adjustment challenges

GOALS

• Detect school adjustment difficulties early
• Children develop a school-based, trusting relationship with an adult
• Reduce social, emotional, and school adjustment difficulties
• Enhance learning skills

BENEFITS

• Reduces negative adjustment behaviors
• Improves children's self-confidence, social skills, learning skills, and other school-related competencies
• Allows school mental health professionals to focus on children who need more intensive interventions

HOW IT WORKS

• Early screening detects school adjustment difficulties
• Children meet weekly with highly trained and supervised paraprofessionals (called child associates) in a playroom setting
• The child sets the pace with the child associate supporting and reflecting on what the child says and does to reinforce and build on the child’s strengths
• Ongoing consultation and program evaluation allows for continuous improvement

TAKING OPPORTUNITIES

Ongoing training opportunities are available for teachers & educational staff, Primary Project supervisors and child associates, and Primary Project preschool sites. Contact us for more information.

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

• Evidence-Based Program - National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices (NREPP): Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
• Sharing Success Program - New York State Education Department
• Lela Rowland Award for Outstanding Prevention Program - National Mental Health Association
• Exemplary Prevention Program - U.S. Surgeon General's Report on Mental Health

COMET is Children’s Institute's data management and reporting tool

Schools who implement Primary Project use COMET to screen children in the early grades and identify those who may benefit from the program, they then complete pre-post assessments on COMET to monitor progress and report on results. Having the assessment tools available online, as opposed to paper, has increased response rates up to 98% and reduced turn-out time for results from weeks to instantly!

 

Case Study
Westmoreland Central School District -- Bringing COMET and Primary Project together