KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — Al’s Pals is a comprehensive curriculum and teacher training program that develops social-emotional skills, self-control, problem-solving abilities and healthy decision-making in children ages 3-8 years old. The program is nationally recognized as an evidence-based model prevention program.

Through fun lessons, engaging puppets, original music and effective teaching approaches, Al’s Pals:

• Helps young children regulate their own feelings and behavior, allowing educators more time for creative teaching by reducing the need for discipline
• Creates and maintains classroom environments of caring, cooperation, respect and responsibility
• Teaches conflict resolution and peaceful problem-solving
• Promotes appreciation of differences and positive social relationships
• Prevents and addresses bullying behavior
• Conveys clear messages about the harms of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs
• Builds children’s abilities to make healthy choices and cope with life’s difficulties

Al’s Pals is currently provided by the Bowen Center at each Head Start classroom in the county.  Through Kosciusko Cares, Al’s Pals will also be implemented at Pierceton Preschool, Pierceton Elementary, Claypool Elementary, Syracuse Elementary and Leesburg Elementary Kindergarten classrooms.

AcornDreams is also a website which is full of resources for your work with young children: www.acorndreams.com.

For more information, visit kosciuskocares.org or contact Kosciusko Cares Coordinator Marsha Carey at [email protected].