Primary Project
821 Howard Street, SE
Washington, DC 20020
http://dmh.dc.gov/dmh/cwp/view,A,3,Q,516043.asp

Anticipated Project(s): Primary Project
The Primary Project ISCOPES team project consists of two main activities. First, team members serve as Child Associates that are specially trained to work with children from kindergarten to third grade. Child associates form a trusting relationship with the child using a child-led play philosophy. Children are typically seen once a week for 30-40 minutes sessions, that usually last for one semester/or 12-15 sessions. Thus, each team member will be expected to provide non-directed play sessions for the entire semester. A consistent schedule is vital. The timing of the non-directed play session(s) will depend on the team member's schedule, but must regularly occur some time between the hours of 8:30am-3:30pm Monday-Friday. The second activity involves the team conducting a needs assessment for the overall Primary Project organization. 

Expectations of Team Members:
Team members will have to complete a criminal background check because they are providing direct service to children (directions will be sent out to team members, as well as a Criminal Background Check Form DMH Form 23 to defer the cost of the background check). Team members must be willing to be trained and supervised by a mental health professional and to engage in non-directive play with participating children. 

Team members will meet weekly with children assigned to them in 1/2 hour sessions of non-directed play throughout the school year.  Team members will be required to complete required paperwork/documentation in compliance with Primary Project and the Department of Mental Health School Mental Health Program.

Team members will be required to collaborate with the supervising mental health professional, school personnel and parents (as they choose to be involved) in the end of the year conferencing process.  Feedback will help to facilitate recommendations related to students graduation or continuation of Primary Project or a referral to another level of services.

Past Projects:
This is a new community site for the 2009-2010 ISCOPES team.

Site Description:
The DC Department of Mental Health operates a school based program in a growing number of public and public charter schools that offers prevention, early intervention and clinical services to youth and their families. The US Surgeon General reports one in five children and adolescents experience the signs and symptoms of a diagnosable mental disorder each year, resulting in significant disruptions of school classrooms, increased truancy, increased risk for alcohol and drug abuse and decreased graduation rates.

Primary Project is one of DMH’s school-based early intervention and prevention programs designed to enhance school related competencies and reduce social, emotional and school adjustment difficulties in children in grades kindergarten through third. Primary Project has six core components that establish a solid foundation for success: 1) A focus on young children.  2) Early screening and appropriate selection of children.  3) Use of paraprofessionals in a direct service role.  4) Use of mental health professionals as supervisors, consultants and leaders.  5) Use of ongoing outcome and process evaluation.  6) Integration of Primary Project within the school and community settings.

Children are systematically screened to identify those with emerging difficulties. Teachers meet with the mental health professional and child associate(s) and discuss children that will benefit from Primary Project. Children may also be recommended for participation as a result of direct observation in the classroom, referral by their parent(s), or referral by other school personnel. Children who may be shy, anxious, withdrawn, defiant, moody, exhibit problems engaging other peers in positive relationships, exhibit mild physical aggression or generally experience school as unpleasant are often most appropriate for participation in Primary Project. Children who demonstrate serious emotional disturbances, excessive absences, severe physical aggression, and cognitive problems or are receiving other behavioral or psychological services are not appropriate for Primary Project.

Children that are selected and whose parents have given consent are paired with specially trained child associates. Child associates form a trusting relationship with the child using a child-led play philosophy. Children are typically seen once a week for 30-40 minutes usually for one semester or 12-15 sessions.

Teachers are asked to work cooperatively with the Primary Project team and with the
parents. Teachers help to identify children who are just beginning to display some mild school adjustment difficulties. Teachers play a critical role in helping to set realistic goals for the children. Teachers provide feedback to the project team and help evaluate the program.

Program Project Program Sites are presently located in 11 elementary schools in the District of Columbia public schools and 2 Charter schools.  Primary Project needs minimum space to be effective.  A specific designated area ensures confidentiality, warmth and safety for the children and child associates is ideal to conduct the play session.  The schools that we will place team members are as follows:

Browne Educational Center
850 26th Street, N.E.
Washington, D.C.  20002

Garrison Elementary School
1200 S Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C.  20009

Harriet Tubman Elementary
3101 13th Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C.  20010

M.C. Terrell/McGogney Elementary
3301 Wheeler Road, S.E.
Washington, D.C.  20032

Turner at Green Elementary
1500 Mississippi Avenue, S.E.
Washington, D.C.  20032

Webb/Wheatley Elementary
1201 Neal Street, N.E.
Washington, D.C.  20002

Burrville Elementary
801 Division Avenue, N.E.
Washington, D.C.  20019

Myrtilla Miner Elementary
601 15th Street, N.E.
Washington, D.C.  20002