PRIMARY PROJECT

Primary Project is a short term program designed to help K-2 students enjoy school and learning. Adjusting to the school environment, routines and classroom tasks can take time.  Primary Project uses child led/child centered play to help young students increase their connection and comfort level in school, reduce stress and develop new skills 

Children experience many common concerns that may impact how they feel and act within the classroom and/or at home...such as:

"I don't want to go to school, I'll miss you."  I'm too scared to ask the teacher for help"  " "No one wants to play with me at recess."  I don't want to try, I'll make a mistake."   "I wish I didn't have a new baby brother."  "I am so sad that gramma isn't here anymore." 

Primary Project can help students have a positive school experience! 

How it works: Each Fall and Winter we use SEL Social Emotional Learning data to identify students who may benefit from Primary Project.  The teacher, school counselor and parents of potential students decide whether Primary Project would be a good program for the student.  Only, with parent consent, a child begins the program and is assigned to a trained child associate/paraprofessional who meets individually with a student for 20-30 minutes in a welcoming playroom filled with expressive toys. The child associate provides supportive, positive feedback to the student related to their goals.  Students visit the playroom on an assigned color day for 10-12 weeks before they "graduate". 

In the playroom, the child sets the pace and chooses their own activities.  The child is guided towards discovering their own problem solving skills, focusing on tasks, practicing communication and social skills, and following/accepting rules.  Each child has their own unique goal(s) and the child associate welcomes your child with unconditional acceptance and caring.  When students are given the opportunity to express themselves in a very supportive environment they often gain new confidence and skills.  Often this new confidence and their new skills transfer into the classroom and other settings with the student becoming more confident, comfortable and successful throughout the school day.  Primary Project supports each individual's child's emotional growth. The playroom is filled with puppets, leggos, castles, kitchen sets, sand trays, toy animals, toy tools, and many other types of toys to promote learning and expression.  

The Primary Project model was established in 1957 and currently serves young children in more than 2,000 schools across the country.  Primary Project is a proven researched based early prevention program. 

Please contact the school counselor if you have any questions regarding the Primary Project program.