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All K-3 students are considered for the Kidco program. Teachers assist in identifying students that would benefit. These would be children that are facing life crisis, such as a family loss, a divorce, bulling, a family illness, one parent not available or just shyness and withdrawn. They may be experiencing learning difficulties or having problems focusing in class. Kidco is designed to teach a child how to be more successful during their lifetime with the goal of improving long-term school success.
This program was originally funded by the State of California but was defunded in 2011, due to budget cuts. The five schools, Juarez Lincoln, Cook, Salt Creek, Hilltop and Palomar are being kept alive by the Principals of each school. The teachers salaries are paid by the schools, not the district. There has been no money for the past four years to replace the games, toys and art materials used to operate these classes affectively. What has been replaced has been from the teachers own pockets.
Each school sees anywhere from 85 to 140 students in need per year. There is a pre-survey to gauge improvement. Each child attends the Kidco program for 30 minutes, once a week for 10-12 weeks. They play in small groups to build confidence and self-esteem. At the end of their stay there is a post-survey to see how they have improved academically and socially.
Our goal is to fund each school with $600 to stock the rooms with needed developmentally and culturally appropriate toys, games and materials. A report from each school will update our members on the success of this program during the school year, 2015-2016. In addition, we will be supporting those teachers through invitations to our monthly social events.
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