NCJ Number
164317
Journal
Safe Start News Volume: 1 Issue: 2 Dated: (Fall/Winter 1995) Pages: 1-4
Date Published
1995
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This newsletter profiles the program and activities of SAFE START, a program in five participating California colleges that involves training in early childhood education for disadvantaged students and current child care workers.
Abstract
The first article describes a model curriculum in violence intervention and counseling that has been established at five Bay Area (California) colleges: Canada College, City College of San Francisco, Contra Costa College, De Anza College, and Merritt College. The curriculum model is a unique approach to violence intervention, as it combines high-quality early childhood practices and basic counseling techniques. In the first class, students explore violence in America and discuss its roots and history, as well as the epidemic of violence in the community, media, home, and the workplace. Students study the impact of violence on the physical and psychological well being of children and adults; analyze the importance of self-awareness in communicating with children and families; and consider issues of diversity. In the second class, students plan activities using the power of play in art, sand, water, storytelling, and puppets to help children express their feelings in both verbal and nonverbal ways. Early childhood teachers learn coping strategies regarding anger and conflict resolution with special emphases regarding diversity. Class three includes extensive field work experience. The fourth class, taken at the upper division university level, includes training in clinical and organizational consultation, supervision, and curriculum development; techniques for conflict resolution, mediation, stress and burnout prevention, and anger management are included. Other sections of the newsletter contain the annual report for SAFE START for October 1, 1994-September 30, 1995; a description of the SAFE START Institute for students; and a profile of the Safe START Resource Directory, which is a listing of community resources for teachers and parents committed to countering violence and its impact on children and their families.