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
RESOURCES
- Advocacy flyer
- Certificate of Completion
- Child Associate Job Description
- Facts for Parents
- Datos para los padres
- Facts for Schools
- Guidelines for Program Implementation
- Logo for download
- Parent-Child Rating Scale (P-CRS)
- Program Consultation
- Program Flyer
- Primary Project Best Practices Rubric
- Primary Project Qualitative Study (2017)
- Primary Project Standards
- Suggested Playroom Materials
- Videos
NATIONAL CERTIFICATION
Learn about Primary Project national certification and download related materials
RESEARCH
Massengale, B., Perryman, K. (2021). Child-Centered Play Therapy’s Impact on Academic Achievement: A Longitudinal Examination in At-Risk Elementary School Students. International Journal for Play Therapy, 30(2), 98-111.
CONTACT
Lynn Smith, LMSW
Co-Director of Primary Project
Shelley M. Sanyshyn, MS
Co-Director of Primary Project