In today's fast-paced, stress-filled world, everyone feels the pressures; especially the children. Because of: shyness, academic pressures, new school, peer pressure, divorce, family illness and many other reasons some children need the guidance and assurance of a special friend. The Rainbow Project provides that special friend. Each Rainbow aide is specially trained and experienced in the unique language and subculture of children. By spending individualized, quality time with each child in the program, the aide helps the children develop self-esteem, self-confidence, stronger social skills, and a positive school attitude. The Rainbow Project provides the child with time during their normal school activities to share feelings and experiences. During the half-hour, once-a-week meeting, he or she is free to play with anything in the playroom. The special friend's role is to provide support and encouragement for the child. During their time together, they may play one game or several games. The environment is set by the child. The time children spend with their special friend does not compete with their parent's or teacher's time. It simply enhances what others are already doing by demonstrating friendship and support on a one-on-one basis. The Rainbow Project also teaches social skills with the research based Committee for Children's Second Step Program.  Students work in a small group setting and learn to identify and manage emotions, develop empathy, and solve problems through role-playing and other group activities. The Rainbow Project has been in existence across the country since 1957. It has made a proven positive impact on the children participating in the Rainbow Project and through its "ripple-effect," on the entire school.

Sally Goodman -- Rainbow Project Paraeducator -- Sgoodman@srvusd.net