There is a new program taught by the Sioux Falls Police Department to 5th graders. The new program, I CAN, replaced DARE. I CAN was developed locally with our department and six teachers from the Sioux Falls School District.

I CAN has a similar message that DARE teaches, but in 8 weeks instead of 12. The DARE instructors and teachers were able to hash out the generalities of the new format in one day. This will now work in conjunction with State mandated health and science curriculum. The teachers will also have the ability to expand on items if they choose.

This is a change from the past because DARE curriculum could not be shared with teachers. But since I CAN was developed with teachers, covers required heath and science topics and is our program, we can share the lesson plans and outlines with teachers. This will give them a better idea how they will be able to integrate the I CAN lessons into their current lessons.

Since this is a program of the SFPD, we will be able to assess the lessons taught on a yearly basis. The great advantage of this is we will be able to tailor the lessons specific to our community. Since DARE is nationwide, we have no control over the lessons.

I CAN will have the same message as DARE, providing youth the ability and “how to” on how to say no. The dangers of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco will all be stressed, as well as how to handle peer pressure. This is a new venture that was developed to continue providing children with the education they have received in the past.