Our Services

Working directly with students, CADEKids Prevention Specialists will provide one “site day” of instruction at each assigned school participating in the Changing Attitudes, Decisions and Environment for Kids project (a site day is defined as a full day of services for the same weekday at one school for the academic year). A full day of services consists of five or more periods of instruction, per the school schedule. Thus, behavioral health content is an integral part of students’ daily learning experience. Each 8- to12-session program cycle addresses impulse control, vulnerability to violence, decisionmaking, and self-esteem.

CADEKids service modalities include whole classroom, small group, and one-to-one sessions (as requested by school personnel). Approximately 93% of all CADEKids participants received whole classroom instruction in FY09. We effect change in the school by working directly with the “influencer kids,” when necessary in small group sessions, to change their outlook and behaviors, thereby turning the tide in elementary and middle schools and improving outcomes for all students.

Teachers attend CADEKids classroom lessons along with their students, enabling them to observe classroom management techniques, support program content, and implement the techniques throughout the school day, extending the impact during the intervening week between Prevention Specialist lessons. As noted by Miss DiNardo, School Counselor at Dunbar Elementary: “The classroom presentations are very supportive because they involve the entire class of children and their teacher. Therefore, all lessons that are taught are reinforced throughout the day” (June 2009).

Each Prevention Specialist per site day will:

  • Conduct up to three 8-12-week cycles of instruction per day during the school year for grades 6 and up; and/or up to five 6-8-week cycles for grades K-5.
  • Provide five periods of activity per day, 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m., Monday-Thursday, and three periods on Fridays (8:30 a.m. -12:00 p.m.).
    • Instruction includes at least 70% 45-minute periods of whole-classroom instruction, with teacher present and active. Additionally, a 45-minute lunch period and 45-minute prep period are required daily.
    • Potentially, additional 45-minute periods of small group sessions or one-on-one sessions: Participants typically flow from classroom participants. CADEKids requests that CADEKids referral forms be completed for participants referred to small groups and individuals. A CADEKids assessment form will be completed for each participant at the end of the cycle/school year, as appropriate. Use of a closed-door room is required for one-on-one sessions.
  • Employ audio-visual materials, such as “Terminal 187” and other teaching aids, such as hand puppets, a case displaying pills that resemble candy, and workbooks (e.g., “Stop the Violence”)
  • Provide professional development, by request. One hour of professional development services per cycle is included for each site day, or by school, in the case of multiple site days; professional development services are also available on a fee-basis.
  • Provide parent workshops, by request. One two-hour parent workshop per cycle is included per site day (up to two hours).
  • Report statistics to the Performance-based Prevention System (PBPS) of the Bureau of Drug & Alcohol Prevention (BDAP) of the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Data are recorded by facsimile student identification number for: Daily session attendance; pre- and post-cycle questionnaires, grades 4-9 (English and Spanish); National Outcomes Measures Survey (NOMS) results , grades 6 and up. Active parental permission forms are required for NOMs; passive parental consent is sought for cycle questionnaires.
  • Wear required CADEKids logo shirts daily, and display CADEKids identification badges, to clearly identify CADEKids personnel.

Prevention Specialists do not provide the following services:

  • Act as security
  • Discipline, touch, or restrain children
  • Supervise cafeteria, recess, or halls
  • Call parents
  • Break up fights

CADEKids maintains current criminal background checks and insurance certificates in amounts required by the School District of Philadelphia.