Programs> Early Intervention and Prevention Services

Early Intervention and Prevention Services Reaching Younger, At-Risk Kids

Eckerd Early Intervention and Prevention Services are designed to increase social competence among elementary school youth while reducing factors that place youth at risk for involvement in drug and alcohol abuse and juvenile delinquency. EIPS currently provides local programming in these Florida counties:

• Brevard
• Citrus
• Become a Mentor

Early Intervention and Prevention Services are part of a continuum of services in support of EYA’s Vision and Mission:

Vision - Ensure that each child has the opportunity to succeed.

Mission - Develop and share programs that promote the well-being of children and serve at-risk youth and their families.

EIPS Objectives:

1. to enhance student knowledge of conflict resolution skills;
   
2. to increase utilization of conflict resolution strategies in the classroom;
   
3. to reduce the incidence of physical aggression and classroom disruption;
   
4. to increase family involvement and utilization of conflict resolution skills in the home; and
   
5. to increase bonding to adult role models.
   
   

EIPS Programs:*

• The “Hi-Five” program is a universal school-based violence and substance abuse prevention program serving 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th grades. A 2001 Harvard University study found that Hi-Five is an “effective program…to reduce student violence and negative behaviors in general, to promote students’ positive behaviors, and to prepare students to avoid violence in the future.”
  
• The “Small Group Interventions” program targets youth at significant risk for demonstrating problem behavior. Students are taught strategies to help them increase their self-esteem and make better behavioral choices at school.
  
• The Eckerd “Computers 4 Kidz” program reprograms donated computers from the community with educational software and gives them to needy kids.
  
• The Eckerd “Second Chance” program works with expelled middle and high school students, teaching them valuable life skills such as conflict resolution, independent thinking, problem-solving and anger management.  It also gives the students the opportunity to return to school early.
• “Mentoring” matches community volunteers with children (5-17) of incarcerated parents and gives students important one-on-one guidance.
• “Teacher Training and Family Outreach” is offered to program schools and families. Through collaboration with County/Municipal Department of Parks and Recreations, low ropes and new games activities are offered during summer months at targeted locations.
• “Literacy Enhancement” is a program offered to qualified youth.
• “Summer Activities” programs are provided through collaboration with County/Municipal Department of Parks and Recreations, Youth Agencies and Law Enforcement Agencies utilizing low ropes and new games activities at targeted locations.