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First Friends Social Skills Program

Building meaningful connections for children ages three to six.

Two elementary school aged girls smiling together

First Friends is a small group program for children ages 3 – 5 who are encountering emotional challenges in social settings. Lucy Daniels Center is the Triangle area expert on social and emotional development of young children. For 33 years we have developed proven methods to help young children achieve their fullest potential.

The group meets weekly for six weeks. Children will engage in a variety of activities, including cooperative play and creative group activities. Parents will also participate in some of the sessions and receive regular support and feedback from staff.

Fee: $450 for 6 group setting sessions.

Current and Upcoming Sessions: April 14-May 19, 2025, 1:30 PM-2:30 PM

For a courtesy consultation and to learn more about how we help, contact Jennifer Reid at jreid@lucydanielscenter.org, call 919.677.1400, or fill in the form below:.

 

Areas of Focus

  • Helping those who are shy or nervous around teachers and/or peers
  • Developing flexibility in social interactions, including playing cooperatively and sharing
  • Supporting the development of communication skills
  • Recognizing and respecting boundaries, personal space, and the feelings of others
Two boys playing together outside

Sample Schedule

1:30pm: Arrival and open choice play
2 pm: Clean-up and transition to group time
2:10 pm: Activity-based group time, which may include story time, circle time, and outdoor play
2:30 pm: Closing time (goodbye circle)

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There can be many reasons for a child’s difficulties in the area of their social development, specifically with joining peers in play and collaboration. In addition to providing children with a positive group experience, one of the goals of First Friends is to understand the various reasons a child is struggling socially so that they can be helped in a way that is personal and meaningful. Understanding the reasons for a child’s difficulties is a first step in finding the supports that will be most effective for growth and mastery.

Jennifer Reid, Director of Education, Lucy Daniels Center

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First Friends was created specifically for the child who is having difficulty with separation, feeling anxious about making friends, and/or struggling with the rules and routines of a preschool environment. As a therapeutic teacher, I think about ways to interpret these social challenges and help each child begin to identify why certain situations are hard or uncomfortable.The goal of First Friends is not only to foster more socially appropriate skills for each child, but also to provide parent and child with a deeper understanding of what helps.

Lucy Daniels School & First Friends Teacher