Early Risers

Early Risers is a multi-year prevention program for elementary school children (ages 6-12, kindergarten through second grade) demonstrating early aggressive and disruptive behavior. The program includes four components: (1) Child Skills component teaches emotional and behavioral self-regulation, positive peer relationships, and academic success through a six-week full-day summer school program with academic learning centers, social skills training, art, drama, sports, recreation, lunch, recess, and peer mentors, plus an after-school program one day per week from October to May with small-group social skills instruction, homework assistance, and recreational activities; (2) Child School Support component provides teacher consultation and student mentoring during the school year to identify classroom difficulties and create individualized plans; (3) Parent Skills component delivers family night group sessions from October through May teaching positive parent-child relations, effective discipline practices, and parent involvement in school; (4) Family Support component provides home visits (minimum three bimonthly contacts in Year 1, six contacts in Year 2) to identify basic needs and health concerns and assist families in achieving healthy lifestyles. A family advocate with a bachelor's degree and experience working with children/parents coordinates the child- and family-focused components. Staff members are required to participate in formal education and training prior to implementation of each component, with ongoing supervision during implementation.