Primary Project is a nationally recognized play-based program to help students in kindergarten through third grade get off to a good start in school. Teachers or parents can refer a student to enhance the child’s confidence, social emotional abilities, and school adjustment. Specially selected and trained child associates meet weekly with individual students in a playroom setting. The Social Worker and Psychologist provide professional supervision and consultation to the child associate for every child.
Mrs. Lauren Mykins and Mrs. Valerie Sawyko are the child associates at Brooks Hill School. For more information about Primary Project at Brooks Hill, you can contact School Social Worker Emily Matthews, or School Psychologists Katrina LeVan and Marcia Young, at 421-2170.
Building Connections Through Play – Video
History of Primary Project
Begun in 1957, Primary Project is the foundational program of Children’s Institute. It has helped countless children since then, and continues to grow throughout New York and the nation. It identifies young children who show emerging school adjustment difficulties and provides them with one-on-one time with a specially trained and supervised paraprofessional.
Importance of Play – American Academy of Pediatrics
Play is essential to the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being of children beginning in early childhood. It is a natural tool for children to develop resiliency as they learn to cooperate, overcome challenges, and negotiate with others. Play also allows children to be creative. It provides time for parents to be fully engaged with their children, to bond with their children, and to see the world from the perspective of their child. However, children who live in poverty often face socioeconomic obstacles that impede their rights to have playtime, thus affecting their healthy social-emotional development. For children who are under resourced to reach their highest potential, it is essential that parents, educators, and pediatricians recognize the importance of lifelong benefits that children gain from play.
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