Pennsylvania Act 18, Act 44, and Act 55 are a set of criteria that schools must meet to ensure the safety and security of their students and staff. These include appointing a School Safety and Security Coordinator, conducting a risk and vulnerability assessment, providing mandatory training for employees, and establishing standards for school police, resource officers, and security guards.

That’s where LARGO Consulting Services comes in! LARGO’s founder has spent over 25 years developing emergency response plans for colleges, universities, and schools. ASIS International has recognized him as a School Safety and Security SC Emeritus.

Since 2018, LARGO has been helping schools in Pennsylvania meet Act 18, Act 44, and Act 55 requirements as set forth by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency School Safety and Security Committee. Our experts work closely with schools to ensure they meet the criteria and take all necessary measures to protect their students and staff.

To receive funding, schools must demonstrate compliance with several key assessment criteria items under Pennsylvania Act 18, Act 44, and Act 55; schools must conduct:

• A Physical Security Assessment
• Policy and Training Assessment
• School Safety and Security Training
  • Situational Awareness Training
  • Trauma-Informed Educational Awareness Training
  • Behavioral Health Awareness Training
  • Suicide Prevention/Awareness Training
  • Bullying Prevention and Awareness Training
  • Substance Use Awareness Training
  • Emergency Training Drills

Physical Security Assessment

LARGO’s team of experienced professionals will conduct a thorough physical security and safety assessment during the school year while classes are in session. Our assessment, which adheres to the criteria outlined by the School Safety and Security Committee, ensures that your school is compliant and up-to-date with the latest safety standards and protocols.

During the assessment, our team will evaluate your school’s security measures, such as access control systems, surveillance cameras, and emergency response procedures. We will identify any potential weaknesses or gaps in your current security measures and provide you with practical, actionable items to improve them, empowering you to enhance your school’s safety and security.

Situational Awareness

Working closely with school administrators, law enforcement, and community stakeholders, LARGO Consulting Services is committed to situational awareness. We’ll help you develop an All-Hazards School Safety Plan that reviews existing disaster response and emergency preparedness, safety, or emergency operations plans.

Trauma-Informed Educational Awareness

At LARGO Consulting Services, we believe in the importance of creating a trauma-informed approach identified by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA.). We’ll work with school administrators to review the six key principles that are fundamental to this approach, including

• • • Trustworthiness and Transparency
    • Safety
    • Peer support
    • Collaboration and Mutuality
    • Empowerment, Voice, and Choice
    • Cultural, Historical, and Gender issues

By focusing on trauma-informed educational awareness, we can create a safer, more supportive environment for all students.

Suicide Prevention/Awareness

Suicide prevention and awareness are critical components of keeping your school safe. Our team will review suicide prevention awareness programs with administrators, teachers, counselors, school psychologists, social workers, and nonprofessional staff. By recognizing the warning signs and signals of potential harm, we can intervene before it’s too late.

Bullying Prevention and Awareness

Bullying is a serious issue that can have a long-lasting impact on students’ mental health and well-being. LARGO Consulting Services will assess your school’s bullying prevention and awareness training program, required to occur every five years. We’ll also review the implementation and tracking of the Safe2Say Program, which teaches youth and adults how to recognize warning signs and signals, especially within social media, from individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others.

Substance Use Awareness

Substance use awareness is another vital area of focus for LARGO Consulting Services. We’ll review your school’s Substance Use Awareness Training program for the school staff and ensure compliance with Act 55, which requires public school students in grades 6-12 to receive instruction regarding the prevention of opioid abuse. 

Emergency Training Drills

Finally, we’re proud to offer customized safety and security training programs, including emergency training drills, tailored to meet each school’s unique requirements. Our founder’s expertise in developing and implementing emergency response training programs for colleges, universities, and schools makes LARGO Consulting Services the perfect partner for your school’s safety and security needs. By preparing for the unexpected, we can ensure that your school is ready for anything.

SOURCE: PCCD School Safety and Security Assessment Criteria

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Simplify Your Pennsylvania Act 18, Act 44, and Act 55 Criteria requirement process with LARGO Consulting Services, LLC, an Approved School Safety and Security Assessment Provider andTrainer since in February 2019. Our team is happy to answer any questions you may have regarding Act 44 compliance.

For more information about LARGO Secure Schools, don’t hesitate to get in touch with LARGO Consulting Services, LLC online or call 833-LARGOCS. We also invite you to connect with us on LinkedIn.