School Based Social Skills Group

Mid-Del Youth and Family Center provides age appropriate prevention groups that address a wide range of topics including anger management, social skills, empathy building, substance abuse, grief and loss, and impulse control.  For students in the

Mid-Del School district the parent or guardian must complete a permission form. Which can be downloaded here.

The purpose of prevention groups is to address adjustment issues in the classroom before the student requires further intervention.  Groups also address some of the life stressors that affect a student's ability to be successful in the classroom.

Good social skills are critical to successful functioning in life. These skills enable us to know what to say, how to make good choices, and how to behave in diverse situations. The extent to which children and adolescents possess good social skills can influence their academic performance, behavior, social and family relationships, and involvement in extracurricular activities. Social skills are also linked to the quality of the school environment and school safety.

While most children pick up positive skills through their everyday interactions with adults and peers, it is important that educators and parents reinforce this casual learning with direct and indirect instruction. We must also recognize when and where children pick up behaviors that might be detrimental to their development or safety. In the past, schools have relied exclusively on families to teach children important interpersonal and conflict resolution skills. However, increased negative societal influences and demands on family life make it imperative that schools partner with parents to facilitate this social learning process. This is particularly true today given the critical role that social skills play in maintaining a positive school environment and reducing school violence. 

For further information regarding school based groups email Kim Smith at Kim@mid-delyouth.org or contact the main office at 405-733-5437