Project Basic is a school-based mental health early intervention and prevention program. This grant-funded program provides Child Development Specialists in elementary schools. The program targets students from kindergarten to third grade, providing early identification and intervention, teacher consultation and classroom programming to promote positive attitudes and mental health wellness concepts. Families with students at high risk of emotional disturbances are linked to community services and treatment services.
Project B.A.S.I.C. provides educational, yet entertaining activities to help the students build self-esteem and learn decision-making skills. The B.A.S. I. C. Child Development Specialist goes into the kindergarten through third grade classes twice a month. For thirty minutes the specialist leads the students in activities using, stories, puppets, songs and role-play.
Other components of this early intervention and prevention program are mental health education, early intervention with individuals and structured learning groups, teacher consultation and school climate. Students or groups of students can be referred by the teachers, staff and parents to work on goals such as responsibility, cooperation, and respect. Each individual referral must receive parental permission and then an assessment is done to determine goals. The parent is then notified in writing of the goals for their child. If the specialist thinks this child could benefit from further mental health treatment, she will work with the parent/guardian to find the best resources to benefit the child and family.
The child development specialist also consults with teachers about individual students that she works with. She is also a liason between the school and the mental health center and works closely with case managers assigned to our students.
Project B.A.S.I.C. provides educational, yet entertaining activities to help the students build self-esteem and learn decision-making skills. The B.A.S. I. C. Child Development Specialist goes into the kindergarten through third grade classes twice a month. For thirty minutes the specialist leads the students in activities using, stories, puppets, songs and role-play.
Other components of this early intervention and prevention program are mental health education, early intervention with individuals and structured learning groups, teacher consultation and school climate. Students or groups of students can be referred by the teachers, staff and parents to work on goals such as responsibility, cooperation, and respect. Each individual referral must receive parental permission and then an assessment is done to determine goals. The parent is then notified in writing of the goals for their child. If the specialist thinks this child could benefit from further mental health treatment, she will work with the parent/guardian to find the best resources to benefit the child and family.
The child development specialist also consults with teachers about individual students that she works with. She is also a liason between the school and the mental health center and works closely with case managers assigned to our students.