Frequently Asked Questions
Read through our FAQ's below for more information on why our
Peer Helpers Program is right for you and your students!
You may be asking
"What is Peer Helpers?"
Peer Helpers is an evidence-based peer-to-peer prevention and support program which operates with a cloud-based, online support tool. Peer Helpers is specifically designed for schools concerned with helping youth navigate life’s daily challenges by empowering students to be emotionally, socially, behaviorally and academically successful for a lifetime.
Students go through an application process and once selected are trained in communication, counseling, conflict resolution and referral skills. Peer Helpers once trained, focus on daily issues such as bullying, alcohol, drugs, sexual pressures, and family dynamics which in turn builds resiliency and coping skills in all students. Addressing these risk factors and developing life skills are both key components to reducing youth suicide.
Thoughts from a Middle School Principal, "Peer Helpers are essential to our school. They are trained and know where to get a student the help they need."
Peer Helpers is an evidence-based peer-to-peer prevention and support program which operates with a cloud-based, online support tool. Peer Helpers is specifically designed for schools concerned with helping youth navigate life’s daily challenges by empowering students to be emotionally, socially, behaviorally and academically successful for a lifetime.
Students go through an application process and once selected are trained in communication, counseling, conflict resolution and referral skills. Peer Helpers once trained, focus on daily issues such as bullying, alcohol, drugs, sexual pressures, and family dynamics which in turn builds resiliency and coping skills in all students. Addressing these risk factors and developing life skills are both key components to reducing youth suicide.
Thoughts from a Middle School Principal, "Peer Helpers are essential to our school. They are trained and know where to get a student the help they need."
You may be thinking
"That sounds good but how do we implement Peer Helpers"
Peer Helpers can be implemented as a club or an accredited elective course. Peer Helpers is most effective when lead by two school personnel who naturally connect with the students on a personal level since the aspects covered by Peer Helpers are very private.
Confidentiality is a core component of Peer Helpers as well as the referral process to ensure students get the support they need when venting, sharing and discussing matters is not enough.
The leadership of the adult educators is crucial to the success of a program. This video shares the perspective of an Elementary Principal on find the right School Counselor who will connect with the students and be able to lead Peer Helpers.
Peer Helpers can be implemented as a club or an accredited elective course. Peer Helpers is most effective when lead by two school personnel who naturally connect with the students on a personal level since the aspects covered by Peer Helpers are very private.
Confidentiality is a core component of Peer Helpers as well as the referral process to ensure students get the support they need when venting, sharing and discussing matters is not enough.
The leadership of the adult educators is crucial to the success of a program. This video shares the perspective of an Elementary Principal on find the right School Counselor who will connect with the students and be able to lead Peer Helpers.
You may be wondering
"Why do we need to introduce Peer Helpers now?"
"You can surround any school campus with a wall strong enough to hold Fort Knox, but the real danger may not have even been addressed yet. The real danger likely comes from that person inside the school that's a student who is having difficulty with mental or societal issues and is terribly frustrated and not adjusting."
- Alabama Governor Kay Ivey; August 28, 2018
To address school safety, we must work on the core of our schools; the students. Research shows that students reach out and talk to another student first when seeking help or validation. This is why students are the means in which Peer Helpers works to support and facilitate prevention and awareness.
Peer Helpers is the Core of Social and Emotional Support for Students
An Elementary School Counselor expresses her thoughts on why Peer Helpers are a benefit to teachers, counselors and at-risk students.
"You can surround any school campus with a wall strong enough to hold Fort Knox, but the real danger may not have even been addressed yet. The real danger likely comes from that person inside the school that's a student who is having difficulty with mental or societal issues and is terribly frustrated and not adjusting."
- Alabama Governor Kay Ivey; August 28, 2018
To address school safety, we must work on the core of our schools; the students. Research shows that students reach out and talk to another student first when seeking help or validation. This is why students are the means in which Peer Helpers works to support and facilitate prevention and awareness.
Peer Helpers is the Core of Social and Emotional Support for Students
An Elementary School Counselor expresses her thoughts on why Peer Helpers are a benefit to teachers, counselors and at-risk students.
You may be curious
"What does Peer Helpers include?"
Since Peer Helpers is led and coordinated on each school campus by two adults, these individuals must be identified and trained. Coordinator training is a one-time training for two days. The program includes Implementation Tools, Skill Training Lessons, Resources, and Prevention Curriculum. The cloud-based Peer Helper Portal allows curriculum to stay current, provides Peer Helper students access to log support activities, and generates real time reports for Coordinators to evaluate the struggles and needs of the entire student population. All lessons and curriculum are available in both Primary (K-6th) and Secondary (7th-12th).
The annual subscription is not limited to the number of users but are based on curriculum age.
With the materials and curriculum provided, Peer Helpers is truly a "turn key" program and helps all faculty and staff understand the role of student Peer Helpers.
Since Peer Helpers is led and coordinated on each school campus by two adults, these individuals must be identified and trained. Coordinator training is a one-time training for two days. The program includes Implementation Tools, Skill Training Lessons, Resources, and Prevention Curriculum. The cloud-based Peer Helper Portal allows curriculum to stay current, provides Peer Helper students access to log support activities, and generates real time reports for Coordinators to evaluate the struggles and needs of the entire student population. All lessons and curriculum are available in both Primary (K-6th) and Secondary (7th-12th).
The annual subscription is not limited to the number of users but are based on curriculum age.
With the materials and curriculum provided, Peer Helpers is truly a "turn key" program and helps all faculty and staff understand the role of student Peer Helpers.
You may be pondering
"Where do I get the funds for this type of program?"
At-Risk, Title I and Title IV funds can be utilized to provide Peer Helpers to your district. As Peer Helpers are trained to support all students and can serve in areas such as Special Education, RTI process, Truancy initiatives, Prevention and Safety as tutors, mentors, mediators, and situational support.
Peer Helpers is best utilization of your resources for student social and emotional support.
At-Risk, Title I and Title IV funds can be utilized to provide Peer Helpers to your district. As Peer Helpers are trained to support all students and can serve in areas such as Special Education, RTI process, Truancy initiatives, Prevention and Safety as tutors, mentors, mediators, and situational support.
Peer Helpers is best utilization of your resources for student social and emotional support.
You should be asking
"Can I justify not bringing Peer Helpers to my district or school?"
If you have students who struggle with…
Bullying / Social Media
Self-Esteem
Drugs / Alcohol
Family Dynamics / Dysfunction
Abuse
Stress / Anxiety
If you are concerned with…
Attendance
School Safety
Academic Improvement
Conflict Resolution / Disciplinary
Student Emotional Support
Equipping Students with Life Skills
Students respond to peer-to-peer support because they are like minded and coming from the same place in life.
To Elementary Schools Who Are Considering Peer Helpers
If you have students who struggle with…
Bullying / Social Media
Self-Esteem
Drugs / Alcohol
Family Dynamics / Dysfunction
Abuse
Stress / Anxiety
If you are concerned with…
Attendance
School Safety
Academic Improvement
Conflict Resolution / Disciplinary
Student Emotional Support
Equipping Students with Life Skills
Students respond to peer-to-peer support because they are like minded and coming from the same place in life.
To Elementary Schools Who Are Considering Peer Helpers