First Things First...

...Annmarie O'Daniel, MS, LPC

Old Mill Center offers a number of outreach programs in our community. One such program, offered in schools is First Steps to Success: Helping Young Children Overcome Anti-Social Behavior. This is a research-based curriculum originating from the University of Oregon's College of Education. Studies have indicated that early intervention is the most promising technique for redirecting young children toward positive, self-actualizing social behavior. This program is specifically designed for children Pre-k through 2nd grade as a best practices early intervention tool to teach parents and teachers skills for managing child behavior and social interactions at home and in the classroom. Behaviors and social interactions that typically occur for First Steps to Success candidates, include:

• Physical aggression toward peers or school staff
• Severe tantrumming
• Hostile reactions to social bids by peers
• Vandalism
• Disturbing or disrupting others
• Pestering
• Ignoring corrective attempts by adults
• Overactivity

This curriculum uses both individual (teacher and First Steps coach) and group guidance (the class) and problem-solving techniques to develop positive and supportive relationships with children, to:

• Encourage and teach positive social skills and interactions among children
• Promote positive strategies of conflict resolution
• Develop personal self-control, self-motivation, and self-esteem

In addition, this program works with children who have been identified with special needs to provide a range of strategies from less directive and structured to more directive and structured to support that child's success in the classroom. First Steps to Success also supports and facilitates family and child interactions as primary for learning and development. First Steps to Success has proven to be a practical, effective tool for educational practitioners and parents alike in helping young children gain the adaptive pro-social and self-management skills they need to succeed in school.

The First Steps to Success Program at Old Mill Center serves children throughout Linn and Benton counties. If you would like to know more information about this program, please contact Annmarie O'Daniel, MS, LPC, Strong Families Program Coordinator at (541) 757-8068 ex. 222.