The Child Guide Program

The Child Guide Program started at the Luverne Elementary School in the 2001-02 school year. The program was started to help be a connector for students into activities in grades K-5. It is a program for all students with emphasis on pre-at-risk and high-risk students. We are trying to prevent students from “falling through the cracks” and helping them to develop their “40 assets” to becoming more successful. Our goal is to close the opportunity gap for all students to allow everyone participation and success in all they do.            Students are referred to the program by school staff, parents, children, or community members. They are referred for many different reasons and than the Child Guide Program tries to meet those needs. Reasons for referrals are as follows:Basic Needs: School supplies, clothing, winter attire, etc.Activity Connections: Students are assisted in being connected to activities. They are assisted by helping a parent with paperwork, setting up the activity, organizing the activity, providing rides, providing scholarships, etc. For many children this is the first time they are allowed to participate in an activity.Homework Helpers: Academic help to any struggling student. This is also a great time for mentoring children. New Students: Getting new students and their families connected to school and activities in the community as quick as possible to make the transition easier.Social Concerns: Helping students with any social challenges they have and referring them on to the school counselor if needed.Mentors: Lining up adult mentors for children who may need another adult role model in their life or maybe a certain gender role they are missing. Statistics for the Child Guide Program:38% of Luverne Elementary Students yearly are referred to the Child Guide Program for individual needs that need to be met.75% of Luverne Elementary Students yearly are involved in Child Guide Activities.  The Child Guide Program is totally funded by grants. This is not a school program, but a community program housed in the school to have the best connection with students. Luverne Elementary School provides many in-kind services and many caring members in the community volunteer their time to help our youth. Grant money received to run this program comes from the following resources: Minnwest Bank, Luverne Optimists, Sioux Valley Energy, Southwest Initiative Foundation, First Farmers and Merchants Bank, PPIE, Red Arrow, McVay Foundation, Luverne Area Community Foundation and caring people in our Community.  The Child Guide Program has received much support from the school and community. The future of the program looks very bright and rewarding for all involved and helped by the program. The Child Guide has continued to be very visible at school and in the community utilizing many resources to help families and their children get better connected and receive help where needed.