Positive Solutions for Children and Families was created eight months ago by two local elementary school teachers, and the goal is to help children overcome barriers preventing them from reaching their full potential.
Jane Sisoian and Adam Procaccini are teachers at Del Prado Elementary School, and they created the after-school program to address issues outside of academia.
“It is a very hands-on and interactive format, and we address a range of issues including self-esteem, team building, communication and conflict resolution skills. A child may be performing poorly academically, but it might not be a problem with comprehension and more a problem of confidence or a lack of communication skills,” said Procaccini.
Positive Solutions is hosting an adult only anti-bullying conference at 7 p.m. Sept. 1 at Del Prado Elementary, 7900 Del Prado Circle N, and Sisoian said there are myriad signs to look for indicating your child is being bullied.
“They often become withdrawn, lose interest in going to school and stop communicating. There are several strategies parents can employ to build self-esteem, because it is typically the child walking with their head down lacking confidence that becomes the target of bullies,” she said.
Procaccini said there is a definitional gap when it comes to bullying and that isolated incidents do not really qualify as bullying.
“Some people think that if their child gets into an altercation or has a problem with another child they are being bullied. Bullying is something that occurs over time, and the result is a systematic withering away of confidence and self-esteem,” he said. The cost of the anti-bullying presentation is $10 in advance or $15 at the door. For more information, visit www.positivesolutionsinfo.com or call 561-400-7518.