First Friends

First Friends is a social skills development program for children ages 3 – 5 ½ who are encountering some social challenges because they are:

  • shy or nervous about making friends;
  • inflexible in social interactions;
  • having difficulty sharing, playing cooperatively, or communicating effectively with their peers;
  • or having difficulty respecting the space or bodies of other children.

“First Friends was created specifically for children who are having difficulty with separation, are anxious about forming new relationships, and may need guidance with interpreting social cues,” says Danielle Marandino, a teacher in the First Friends program. "As therapeutic teachers continually interpret these social challenges, children will begin to identify why specific situations are particularly stressful to them. The goal of First Friends will be to develop more socially appropriate interactions and to create individualized coping strategies that will give the child a growing sense of confidence as they are guided towards healthier social relationships.”

Children will meet in small groups twice a week from 2 – 3:30 p.m. for activity-based classes led by teachers experienced in the Center’s renowned methods for helping children grow in social abilities and confidence. Children will engage in a variety of activities, including cooperative play and creative group activities.

“Becoming a successful schoolchild is dependent in part upon a child's capacity to join and be a member of a group,” explains First Friends teacher Jennifer Reid. “Children learn a great deal about how to do this through play. The environment we provide is one in which children participate in a range of social experiences, from play to learning activities, with an emphasis on the social and emotional strength and skills necessary for being a student in a classroom.”

Sample Daily Schedule*:

2:00 - 2:45: Arrival and "child’s choice" activity
2:50: Clean-up and transition to group time
3:00: Activity-based group time, which will include story time, circle time, and outdoor play. On occasions, there will be a teacher-led activity such as an art project or building project.
3:25: Closing time
3:30: Dismissal
*Note:  The schedule may change dependent upon individual and group needs. Sessions will be arranged by age where appropriate.

Enrolling in First Friends

Parents may initiate their child’s enrollment in First Friends with the following steps, which will enable parents and Center staff to decide if the program will be a worthwhile experience for the child:

  • Parents complete a brief online form.
  • Parents then meet with Center staff to discuss their child’s needs and learn about the program.
  • With parents’ permission, Center staff will either talk by phone or observe their child in his or her current school setting.

Goals of First Friends

The goals for social skill development will vary depending on each child and family’s needs, but the basic goals of the program are these:

  • Each child will be guided toward healthier social relationships on an individualized basis.
  • Parents will learn about their child’s social challenges and how they can help him or her develop more appropriate strategies and skills for peer relationships.

Parent Involvement

Parents will also receive support and feedback in regular consultation with staff members. They will have three meetings with Lucy Daniels Center staff.

  • An initial meeting will be held with the mental health specialist overseeing the program so that she can learn more about the child and answer parents’ questions.
  • The second meeting (mid-session) will be with our mental health specialist and First Friends teachers.  We will share what we have learned about the child’s challenges and how we are helping the child to build social competencies. 
  • The third meeting will be at the end of the session, sharing more current information and recommendations. Parents and staff will determine if additional sessions are warranted.

Fee

$600 for one eight-week session, including the three parent meetings.  Children will not receive clinical diagnoses, and third party sources (insurance) will not be billed.

Further opportunities to support growth

  • Families will have the opportunity to continue in the group for additional eight-week sessions if this program is felt to be worthwhile by parents and staff. 
  • Parents will also have the opportunity to access our other educational, assessment, and treatment services at the Center, if appropriate.
  • If a child is already receiving services at the Center, his or her participation in First Friends will be coordinated with the clinicians providing these services.

First Friends is now enrolling students for eight-week sessions. Contact the Center at 919.677.1400 for more information. To download a flyer, click here.