PIP Program
PIP
Primary Intervention Program
"Special Pal" 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 special needs that require additional attention. These needs may arise from a family change, such as birth, death, illness, divorce, or 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 Additionally, some children may be a little shy, withdrawn, or overly active and may need help in finding new, more effective ways to express feelings in positive ways. P.I.P. would benefit these children.
What Is Primary Intervention Program (P.I.P.)?
"Special Pal" Program
P.I.P. 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 behavioral, emotional, or learning difficulties.
Our purpose is:
To help your child get a good start in school by providing a nurturing atmosphere that is accepting, non-judgmental, caring, and warm.
Help to reduce social, emotional, and school adjustment difficulties while enhancing learning skills.
To identify your child’s individual needs early and plan a program to make his or her educational experience the most successful.
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.
How Are Children Selected?
After teacher observation and class assessments, or parent interest for additional support, the teacher and the P.I.P. program team consider which children may benefit from the program, and parent contact is made.
The Special Pal team in our school consists of your child’s teacher, the program coordinator, program associates, volunteers, and other support staff.
When parent permission is obtained, a child may enter the program. A parent consultation is encouraged, where the parents can share their views regarding their child’s development.
The length of time a child spends in the program depends on each child’s individual needs. Parent conferences may be requested by parents at any time.
Who Are “Special Pals”?
Special Pals or Child Associates are carefully interviewed and selected based on experience, and his/her admirable ability to relate to children. Each are dedicated to providing an accepting, nonjudgmental, and encouraging relationship with the child. They are trained in non-directive play and placed 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 adjustment difficulties.
How Does the Program Work?
Each child in the program is assigned to a Special Pal/Child Associate who is trained in non-directive play. They work with the child in the "Special Pal" room for 30-40 minutes once a week. This room is set up so that the child can be involved in various activities, including clay, drawing, painting, sand table, puppetry, and play.
The Special Pal Program (P.I.P.) 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 Pal facilitates the child's self-direction, self-exploration, and self-growth.
Non-directed play describes a method by which an adult (parent, friend, teacher, therapist) plays with the child, but lets 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
"Toys are children's words and play is their language."
-Garry L.Landreth-
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 ultimate goal is to help make our students' educational experience the most successful possible.
The Special Pal Program (P.I.P.) has been at Friday Harbor Elementary School since 1983 and is based on the Primary Project in Rochester, New York.
Many thanks to our funders: San Juan County United Way, San Juan Community Foundation, San Juan Island School District, as well as program volunteers, anonymous donors and private individual donors. Because of their generous and dependable donations, we have been able to sustain this successful program.
For more information, contact us:
Alexis Hauck, Program Coordinator
Phone: (360) 370-7344
Email: alexishauck@sjisd.org
