KidsFirst is a school-based counseling program for children 5 – 17 that identifies and treats behavioral and emotional issues which interfere with learning and social interaction.

Services are provided on-site at a variety of participating schools, primarily within Palm Springs Unified School District.

Counseling services are provided by licensed clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists, Master’s level counselors, and clinically-supervised and licensed Master’s level interns.

As children process complex emotional issues, they often act out and behave inappropriately. When children become emotionally frustrated, learning becomes more difficult. A child will often “shut down” when overwhelmed.  

Teachers who identify children with behavioral issues make a referral to JFS KidsFirst program counselors after receiving permission from the child's parent or guardian.

JFS counselors use a variety of therapeutic, age-appropriate approaches to help children cope with emotional issues, including traditional talk therapy, play therapy, art therapy, and other approaches.  JFS counselors encounter a wide range of issues that include anger management, coping and social skills, conflict resolution, classroom and study skills, bullying, aggression, helping children to identify and verbalize their feelings, and dealing with loss and grief, among other issues.

For more information on KidsFirst, please contact JFS at (760) 325-4088.