In 1992, the Streamwood Police Department, along with the combined efforts of D.A.R.E. America, educators, students, parents and the community, implemented the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program, within the Village’s nine elementary schools.

The Streamwood Police Department encourages the philosophy of the D.A.R.E. Mission – “Teaching students good decision-making skills to help them lead safe and healthy lives.” By helping students learn of ways to avoid dangerous situations, recognize and resist direct and subtle pressures that may influence bad choices, and by learning social skills that will help enhance their self-esteem, the students are expected to become the future role models of their schools and neighborhoods.

Today, the D.A.R.E. program is currently taught by two D.A.R.E.-certified police officers at 13 locations within the community. The D.A.R.E. core curriculum, ‘Keepin’ it REAL,' takes a hands-on, social influence approach that emphasizes and aims to strengthen children’s refusal skills so they can better resist social pressures to try and use drugs. The program builds communication and decision-making skills, and allows children to rehearse learned strategies through role play with fellow students.

The first grade program runs for two months and is also taught at the Poplar Creek Library, Kiddie Academy, Montessori School, and Streamwood Park District. It teaches a variety of safety lessons designed for children for ages 5-7 years old. These include understanding 9-1-1, food safety, knowing your address and what to do if you get lost, knowing street signs, and stranger danger.

The fifth grade program runs at all schools for 4 months. The curriculum is designed to help students make safe and responsible choices. Topics such as bullying, online safety, and peer pressure are discussed, the dangers of smoking and vaping, while promoting self-confidence. 

The D.A.R.E. officers are also at many community events throughout the year.

Donate to our D.A.R.E. Program