Since 1972, Progressive Youth Connection (formerly Center) has become one of the primary prevention agencies in the area, serving more than 4,000 youth, parents, and other community members each year. By providing violence prevention and character education programs, as well as counseling services and after school and summer programs, PYC is continually working to improve the lives of youth and their families.
Please take a moment to tour our website and acquaint yourself with the important work we are doing on behalf of young people in the St. Louis area. The PYC board and staff thank you for the successes of the past thirty years and look forward to many more!
Back to School!
As a new school year begins, our children are once agains faced with new challenges and situations. Communicating openly with your children to keep them aware of what to expect can make all of the difference. Below are some tips to help make the start of school easier for both you and your child.
Remind your child that she is not the only student who is a bit uneasy about the first day of school. Teachers know that students are anxious and will make an extra effort to make sure everyone feels as comfortable as possible.
Point out the positive aspects of starting school: It will be fun. She'll see old friends and meet new ones. Refresh her memory about previous years, when she may have returned home after the first day with high spirits because she had a good time.
Find another child in the neighborhood with whom your youngster can walk to school or ride with on the bus.
If you feel it is appropriate, drive your child (or walk with her) to school and pick her up on the first day.
One of the biggest threats facing our children as they return to school is bullying. A child's best defense against both becoming a bully or falling victim to one is an involved parent. Open communication with your child can make all of the difference. Below are some tips on addressing bullying with your child.
When Your Child Is Bullied
Help your child learn how to respond by teaching your child how to: 1. Look the bully in the eye. 2. Stand tall and stay calm in a difficult situation. 3. Walk away.
Teach your child how to say in a firm voice. 1. "I don't like what you are doing." 2. "Please do NOT talk to me like that." 3. "Why would you say that?"
Teach your child when and how to ask for help.
Encourage your child to make friends with other children.
Support activities that interest your child.
Alert school officials to the problems and work with them on solutions.
Make sure an adult who knows about the bullying can watch out for your child's safety and well-being when you cannot be there.
When Your Child Is the Bully
Be sure your child knows that bullying is never OK.
Set firm and consistent limits on your child's aggressive behavior.
Be a positive role mode. Show children they can get what they want without teasing, threatening or hurting someone.
Use effective, non-physical discipline, such as loss of privileges.
Develop practical solutions with the school principal, teachers, counselors, and parents of the children your child has bullied.
When Your Child Is a Bystander
Tell your child not to cheer on or even quietly watch bullying.
Encourage your child to tell a trusted adult about the bullying.
Help your child support other children who may be bullied. Encourage your child to include these children in activities.
Encourage your child to join with others in telling bullies to stop.
(All above information is courtesy of the American Academy of Pediatrics.)
Mission Statement
Progressive Youth Connection creates strong communities by generating deep learning experiences designed to keep kids safe while successfully dealing with life situations and allowing them to grow into productive adults.
Position Statement
Progressive Youth Connection implements prevention programs to help children develop the skills to make positive choices in life, while striving to promote a violence-free school environment to ensure academic and social success for children of all ages.
Privacy Policy
To view Progressive Youth Connection's privacy policy, please click here.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________ A United Way Funded Agency
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Progressive Youth Connection 9530 Watson Industrial Park, Suite A St. Louis, MO 63126 Phone: (314) 963-8368 Fax: (314) 963-8935
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