"Nice Never Hurts" Launched by Sponsors and Early Learning Investment Committee of the Susquehanna River Valley
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
By: Karen Ulp

Discover how families in Northumberland, Snyder and Union Counties are learning about anti-violence and bullying prevention.

Area sponsors and the Early Learning Investment Committee of the Susquehanna River Valley launched the "Nice Never Hurts" initiative by providing social emotional curriculums to two child care programs in support of anti-violence and bullying prevention.

Norman S. Rich, Chairman of the Early Learning Investment Committee and retired CEO of Weis Markets states: "We know that school districts, juvenile justice systems, human service agencies, to name a few, are working hard to prevent and stop bullying from ever occurring and are often dealing with the aftermath of horrific situations such as victim teen suicides. We also know that what children learn at a very early age has lasting impacts throughout their lifetime. This initiative is one way to help our communities prevent bullying starting in the preschool years."

Greater Susquehanna Valley YMCA Day Care Center located in Sunbury and Robinwood Day Care Center located in Milton are child care programs that are piloting Second Step.

Second Step is a research based curriculum that is easy to use and endorsed by the state Office of Child Development and Early Learning. At the preschool level, the curriculum teaches social emotional skills such as identifying and coping with feelings, friendship and problem-solving skills and skills for learning. Teachers explore themed lessons through the use of puppets, songs and activities which correspond with 5 Units taught over a 28-week period. Materials include a teaching guide and on-line resources for families to expand the lessons learned to home.

Joy Hoke, Director of Sunbury YMCA Day Care Center states: "This program has been fantastic. We have seen children who used to become physically aggressive by hitting and kicking now say they are frustrated and angry. They are able to calm themselves down before escalating to a fight."

Robinwood Day Care Director Susan Smith Milley embraces the program stating, "The teaching methods are practical, presented in a fun way and can be taught not only in the classroom, but out on the playground or during lunch. Teachers can use the methods learned from Second Step to help children cope and problem solve throughout their day."

The following sponsors provided funding to purchase Second Step Training Kits and formalized training and consultation of the curriculum to the childcare staff: Albright Footcare Center, District Attorney Mike Piecuch, McCann School of Business and Technology, Norman S. Rich and The Northumberland National Bank.

For more information to become a sponsor, or to implement the curriculum at a child care program in Northumberland, Snyder or Union Counties, contact Karen Ulp, LEARN Coordinator, Greater Susquehanna Valley United Way at 570.988.0993 or by email at ececoord@gsvuw.org.