The Center for Children & Families has brought the Childhelp Speak Up Be Safe curriculum to Monroe City school classrooms this school year to promote safe, healthy environments for children.
About the Program
The Center for Children & Families is utilizing this evidence-based curriculum designed to educate and empower children from Pre-K through 12th grade. Childhelp addresses the critical need for child safety education in schools and communities by equipping children with the tools to identify unsafe situations and communicate effectively with trusted adults.
This curriculum promotes primary prevention and is tailored to meet the developmental needs of children across all grade levels. It teaches fundamental safety concepts through interactive lessons that encourage age-appropriate learning and engagement. The program focuses on five essential safety rules that guide children on how to navigate unsafe environments, identify safe adults, and seek help.
Key Highlights of the Speak Up Be Safe Program:
- Evidence-based and supported by research on child development, learning styles, social psychology, and child abuse prevention.
- Two interactive lessons per grade level, designed to be engaging and accessible for children of all ages.
- Each lesson runs for 30 to 45 minutes, with activities reinforcing key concepts.
- Comprehensive, self-paced facilitator training, including certification upon completion.
- Consent forms and lesson reviews for parents and caregivers to ensure family involvement.
- The program emphasizes that child safety is an adult's responsibility, evolving into a shared responsibility between adults and adolescents in the high school curriculum.
Recognized by the California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare (CEBC) and listed in its Program Registry, the Childhelp curriculum is a trusted and effective tool for preventing child abuse.
Quotes from Leadership
Dr. Brian Bush, Director of Child Welfare and Attendance for Monroe City Schools explained, "The Center for Children and Families has made an extraordinary impact on our community by equipping Monroe City School children with essential safety knowledge. Their dedication to teaching safety rules to our youngest students up to 2nd grade ensures that our children not only learn critical life skills but also grow up with a greater sense of security and confidence. We are deeply grateful for their commitment to our children’s well-being and education." "We believe every child deserves to feel safe and supported," said Stalanda Butcher, Chief Advocacy Officer of The Center for Children & Families. "This program empowers children to understand the importance of safety and provides them with the knowledge to navigate difficult situations while knowing they have trusted adults to rely on.”
About The Center for Children & Families
The Center for Children & Families is a nonprofit organization celebrating 25 years dedicated to promoting safe, healthy environments for children and families through advocacy, education, and support services. With a focus on foster care, therapeutic interventions, and family support, The Center strives to create lasting positive change in the community.
Contact Information
For more information about this partnership, please contact:
Chris Ramsey Chief Operations Officer The Center for Children & Families Phone: 318-398-0945 Email: cramsey@standforhope.org
