Caring School Community
What is Caring School Community?
Caring School Community is a proven, school-based program started by Collaborative Classroom with the goal of:
Reducing the impact of substance misuse and related disorders on youth and their families
Improving students’ attitudes toward school
Preventing violence
Promoting positive youth development
YFA combines the nationally recognized Caring Schools Community (CSC) curriculum with the Safer Smarter Kids and Conscious Discipline programs in Pasco County Elementary schools. Through our partnership with Pasco County Schools, this substance abuse prevention and intervention program is part of Florida's comprehensive system to reduce the impact of substance abuse and co-occurring disorders on youth and their families.
Why Does YFA’s Program Focus on Substance Misuse?
Substance misuse is a society-wide problem with high costs that crosses socio-economic barriers. Early intervention – starting with elementary aged children – can make a big difference long-term both by improving the child’s success and reducing the impact on society. Here are just a few of the challenges caused by substance misuse:
Learning Problems
Drugs make it harder for kids to learn and do well in school
More students drop out of school
Schools spend extra time and money helping these students
Health Issues
Hospitals and emergency rooms get busier
Everyone's healthcare costs go up
Drugs can cause life-long health issues
Effects on Family and Community
Family relationships are damaged
More young people may get into trouble with the law
Local support services become overwhelmed
Money Problems
Those who abuse drugs often have trouble keeping jobs
Society spends more money on treatment programs
Police and courts need more money to handle drug-related issues
Long-Term Effects
Students may continue using drugs when they grow up
Addicts may neglect their own children
Their own children might be more likely to use drugs later, perpetuating the cycle
This can create ongoing problems in families
Helping students early on - through school programs, counseling, and community support - can prevent many of these problems.
Are All Children at the Schools Listed Below Included?
CSC is funded by the Department of Children & Families (DCF) through Central Florida Behavioral Health Network, with the purpose of providing early intervention services to Pasco County children who are at risk of substance abuse. CSC is an evidenced based prevention program. CSC is school-based, provided to kids in grades K-5th with emphasis on promoting positive youth development.
The CSC model is consistent with research-based practices for increasing student achievement as well as theoretical and empirical literature supporting the benefits of a caring classroom community in meeting student needs for emotional and physical safety, supportive relationships, autonomy, and a sense of competence. The program seeks to promote pro-social values, increased academic motivation and achievement, and prevent drug use, violence, and delinquency. Four core principles taught to students are the values of fairness, respect, helpfulness and responsibility. One area of focus for the CSC model curriculum is the emphasis on bullying and educating school personnel and youth on how to effectively deal with this widespread and often fatal social issue.
How Do Schools Outside Pasco County Get Involved?
If you are a school administrator or your student attends school outside Pasco County, please give us a call at 727-234-5388 to learn more.
Participating schools are listed below.
Cotee River Elementary School
7515 Plathe Road
New Port Richey, FL 34653
Telephone: 727-774-3000
Fax: 727-774-3091
Fox Hollow Elementary School
8309 Fox Hollow Drive
Port Richey, FL 34668
Telephone: (727) 774-7600
Gulfside Elementary School
2329 Anclote Boulevard
Holiday, FL 34691
Telephone: (727) 774-6000
Fax: (727) 774-6091
James M. Marlowe Elementary School
5642 Cecelia Drive
New Port Richey, Florida 34652
Telephone: 727-774-8600
Fax: 727-774-8691
Richey Elementary
6850 Madison St
New Port Richey, FL 34652
Telephone: 727-774-3500
Schrader Elementary School
11041 Little Road
New Port Richey, FL 34654
Telephone: (727) 774-5900
Fax: (727) 774-5991