Laying a Foundation to a More Caring/Peaceful World Through K-1 Students

Nassau County, NY, December 04, 2008 --(PR.com)-- The foundation for understanding how people should treat each other and deal with conflicts is laid in the early years—a concept that is at the core of Child Abuse Prevention Services’ (CAPS) Caring Kids bully and violence prevention program for kindergarten and first grade students. Using a train-the-trainer model, CAPS trained 27 school social workers and guidance counselors, from Nassau County schools, this month to implement the program in their respective elementary schools. The training, curriculum, puppets and all materials were provided to them at no cost, thanks to support by the Junior League of Long Island, and a donation of meeting space from Sterling Glen of Roslyn.

“Our understanding of bullying has grown in the past fifteen years,” said Alane Fagin, MS, Executive Director. “We know that it can have damaging and scarring effects on the victim. It can be the antecedent to juvenile delinquency and anti-social behavior, and leave bystanders feeling helpless, disempowered and scared.”

“Caring Kids is a fun, interactive workshop comprised of storytelling, role play and puppetry and provides our youngest students with the pro-social and empathic skills that foster an environment of caring and civility,” said Ms. Fagin.

More than 5,800 children from across Long Island benefited from CAPS’ Caring Kids program in the last academic year, through presentations made by the 70 guidance counselors and social workers professionally trained by CAPS. The next Caring Kids training will be offered in the Spring of 2009 to Suffolk County guidance counselors and social workers.

Founded in 1982, the Roslyn-based Child Abuse Prevention Services is Long Island’s comprehensive resource center for the prevention of child abuse, bullying and Web-based threats. It is a non-profit organization underwritten by private donations, grants and legislative appropriations. Information about school and professional development programs, and volunteer opportunities is available at www.capsli.org or by calling 516-621-0552 or
631-289-3240.

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