Are you aware that Pennsylvania Act 44 Criteria is a set of requirements that schools must meet to ensure the safety and security of their students and staff? It includes appointing a School Safety and Security Coordinator, providing mandatory training for employees, and establishing standards for school police, resource officers, and security guards. That’s where LARGO Consulting Services comes in!

Since 2018, LARGO has been helping schools in Pennsylvania meet Act 44 requirements as set forth by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency School Safety and Security Committee. Our team of experts work closely with schools to ensure they are meeting the criteria and taking 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 44 Criteria. This includes:

• • • Physical Security Assessment
    • Situational Awareness
    • Trauma-Informed Educational Awareness
    • Behavioral Health Awareness
    • Suicide Prevention/Awareness
    • Bullying Prevention and Awareness
    • Substance Use Awareness
    • 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 will meet the criteria outlined by the School Safety and Security Committee as of February 2021, ensuring that your school is 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 actionable recommendations to improve them.

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. LARGO’s founder has spent over 25 years developing emergency response plans for colleges, universities, and schools. ASIS International has also recognized him as a School Safety and Security SC Emeritus.

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

• • • Safety
    • Trustworthiness and Transparency
    • 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.

Behavioral Health Awareness

We’re committed to promoting behavioral health awareness among students and staff. LARGO Consulting Services will meet with administrators, teachers, counselors, school psychologists, social workers, nonprofessional staff, parents, students, and community liaison members to review initiatives and ensure everyone is informed and equipped to handle potential issues. By working together, we can create a healthy, supportive community for all.

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

Copyright 2022

Simplify Your Pennsylvania Act 44 Criteria requirement process with LARGO Consulting Services, LLC, named an Approved School Safety and Security Assessment Provider 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 and Twitter.