Learning, Guidance and Student Support Center

Mentorship Programs

LGSSC Organizational Structure

● ● ● ● ● Superintendent Director of Special Student Services Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate Clinical Social Worker Guidance Case Clerk

Vision Mission

Eliminate the Cycle of Generational Poverty Through Education The mission of the Dinuba Learning, Guidance and Student Support Center is to provide support and services that are easily accessible to children and families of our community in order to remove barriers to learning and enhance their overall quality of life.

Framework for Strengthening Families

Five Protective Factors ● Parent Resilience - Build resilience for parents in dealing with stress - Problem Solve ● Social Connections Networks of support opportunities to “give back” ● Concrete Support in Times of Need - Meeting basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing and health care.

● Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development - provide accurate information about child development and help parents see their children in a positive light and promote healthy development.

● Social and Emotional Competence of Children child’s ability to interact positively with others, self-regulate behavior, communicate feelings - early identification and assistance for parents and children

Adapted from a report by Tulare County Health and Human Services Agency and First 5 Tulare County

LGSSC Key Practices and Primary Services

● ● ● ●

Improved Social Emotional Functioning.

o Primary grades mentorship program o Assessment and identification of student strengths and needs o o o Training in social skills and conflict resolution Crisis prevention and intervention Specialized mental health services for students including depression and suicide screening

Improved Family Functioning

o Individual, family and group counseling o Parent empowerment classes (English/Spanish) o Family Case Management

Improved Health

o Provide health referral to primary care for health, dental, and vision screenings to children ages 0-5 o Provide insurance application assistance by certified application assistors (Medi-cal, etc)

Improved Systems of Care

o Regular meetings with the LGSSC support team to discuss student and family needs, coordinate services, and problem solve o o Consultation with interagency partners Community Outreach

Barriers to Learning

LGSSC Data

240 Referrals to-date

LGSSC Data

LGSSC Data

LGSSC Referrals Based on Presenting Problem

LGSSC Parent Surveys

● “The services provided helped my daughter improve her behavior at school and at home. Thank you - this center is a positive impact for my family.” ● “Staff members at this center always helped clarify my doubts. Thank you for helping our children.”

Youth Mentoring

Youth mentoring

is the process of matching mentors with young people who need or want a caring, responsible adult in their lives. The goal of youth mentoring programs is to improve the well-being of the child by providing a role model that can support the child academically, socially and/or personally. This goal can be accomplished through school work, communication, and/or activities.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Mentorship Programs

● ● ● ● Campus Life Two full-time Campus Life Mentors have been assigned to Wilson and Jefferson Elementary Schools. M-F, 8am 5pm.

Campus Life Mentors provide mentoring to students in grades 4th through 6th, during and after school and offer family support as needed. Saturday Sports are being implemented at both schools in efforts to keep students engage in a safe, yet fun environment where mentees will have positive interactions with peers and mentors. Two hours every other Saturday (1st and 3rd Saturday of each month).

Summer programs (sports, activities, outings, etc.) will be designed to maintain relationships between students and mentors during the time they are off from school. Students will be under the direct supervision of Campus Life Mentors and volunteers recruited by Campus Life. Big Brothers Big Sisters ● ● ● ● High School Bigs Program is currently operating at Wilson and Jefferson Elementary Schools. Dinuba High School students “Bigs” have been matched with 1st through 3rd grade students (boys) “Littles”. Bigs meet with Littles at the respective elementary school, once a week for 90 minutes after school. All students are under the direct supervision of the BBBS Program Coordinator, Mitzi Torres. Culminating activity - Weeklong summer camp (McDermont Field House). Scholarship Opportunities for High School Bigs.

Campus Life Mentorship Program

● ● ● Wilson Campus Life Mentor: Benjamin Smith Number of Referrals: 20 Number of Mentees: 12 ● ● ● Jefferson Campus Life Mentor: Jack Haldeman Number of Referrals: 27 Number of Mentees: 21

Words from Campus Life Mentees

● “Now I think about how I need to act before I respond and get in trouble.” - Alberto (Wilson Elementary) ● “I’m learning to talk about how I feel so I can feel better.” - Nate (Jefferson Elementary)

Big Brothers Big Sisters - High School Bigs Program

Wilson Jefferson ● Program launched on Tuesday, ● ● ● ● February 24, 2015. Takes place every Tuesday 2:00 P.M. - 3:30P.M.

Number of Referrals: 32 Number of Littles: 22 ● Program launched on Monday, ● ● ● ● February 23, 2015. Takes place every Monday 3:30 P.M. - 5:00 P.M.

Number of Referrals: 27 Number of Littles: 21

Words from our Bigs

● “I know what it’s like to come from a family with divorced parents. I think some children will be able to relate to me.” - Jacob (DHS) ● “I want to help someone and steer them towards a good future.” - Jimmy (DHS) ● “My goal in life is to make an impact on people’s lives. This is a good place to start.” - Tatiana (DHS)

Words from our Littles

● “I like school, but sometimes I need help” Malakai (Wilson Elementary) ● “I want a Big so he can help me with my homework and help me build things.” Angel (Jefferson Elementary)

Words from our Parents

● “My son was being sent to the office every day until a mentor began working with him.” - Wilson parent ● “This program has made a lot of difference with my grandson’s aggression issues.” Jefferson caregiver