In
our school-based counseling programs, we serve thousands of
PVUSD students each year. Kids'
Korner, Primary Intervention Program (PIP) and the Secondary
Student Assistance Program (SAP) counselors help students with
numerous
issues
including
school transitions, grief and loss, peer, family, and teacher
conflicts, drug and alcohol issues, and anger management. Our
counselors help students stay in school and succeed.
Kid's
Korner Elementary Student Assistance Program
At all PVUSD
elementary schools, PVPSA provides a counselor and a safe, nurturing
place for students. Individual, group and family services are provided
and referrals to community resources are made when appropriate.
Secondary
Student Assistance Program
Available at
all middle, junior and high schools, PVPSA offers individual counseling
and peer support groups for students engaged in at-risk behavior
such as substance use, truancy and gang involvement. Short-term
family counseling and referrals to community resources are provided.
Primary Intervention Program
The Primary Intervention Program (PIP) is funded by the Safe Schools ~ Healthy Students plan which is overseen by Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance. It helps create a school environment that supports student success by addressing the social and emotional needs of your children and facilitating their positive adjustment to school.
Students referred to PIP will be in Kindergarten through 3rd Grade. They will have less need for support than those who receive counseling in Kids Korner. They will benefit from having a Bi-lingual “Special Friend” who helps them explore their world in a safe, positive way. PIP has been shown to be effective because:
- It identifies children during the first years in school who are having difficulty adjusting to school
- PIP Special Friends give the “gift of time” in the form of 30 minutes per week with an adult who is trained in empathetic listening skills.
- It uses toys and play materials which are comfortable for children in a non-directive way, so each child is free (within broad limits) to work on whatever he or she needs to work on.
- Play is a child’s natural way of learning and expressing. Play has meaning for the child, is self-healing and is practice for “real life” experiences.
- Through play sessions, a relationship forms between the child and adult, a new nurturing person.
- Changes take place in how the child feels about self, others, school, and his or her worries. More energy, openness, and courage are available for the child to get on with living, learning and playing well with peers.
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