Official Site of The State of New Jersey
Developing Resiliency with Engaging Approaches to Maximize Success (DREAMS) Program
The DREAMS Program was created in response to the overwhelming need for youth support programming to empower our students to better manage the anxiety, stress, and fear that ensued as a result of the recent pandemic. First piloted in the 2021-2022 school year, the DREAMS Program has received additional funding to continue this important work throughout our state.
The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) plays a supportive role to the New Jersey Department of Children and Families (NJ DCF), in offering a limited number of school districts a no-cost opportunity to receive training and education in trauma-informed and healing-centered practices through the DREAMS Program. This program aims to promote healthy and healing school environments and will provide educators with resources and supports to aid in both their job satisfaction as well as in building positive connections with students and classrooms conducive to student learning.
School district staff involved in the DREAMS program will:
- Receive training in the Nurtured Heart Approach (NHA) and a Trauma Foundational Series.
- Identify up to two staff members per district to become NHA certified trainers.
- Have online access to related resources and training materials.
- Be connected to the NHA Community through a Nurtured Heart Approach mentor who will aid in the implementation planning of NHA within the school/district.
For a snapshot into the DREAMS Program, take a look through the following DREAMS Flyer.
Should you have any questions regarding the DREAMS Program, you may email:
NJ DCF CSOC: stacy.reh@dcf.nj.gov
NJDOE: SafeSupportiveSchools@doe.nj.gov
Please visit our Trauma-Informed and Healing-Centered Practices webpage for related resources as well as information on Positive and Adverse Childhood Experiences (PACES).
DREAMS Program Reach
Graphic 1 - Statewide Service Provision for DREAMS Program (Cohorts 1-3)
DREAMS Program Spotlights
Toms River Regional Schools
A "Cool Down" bulletin board where students are welcome to color as a self-regulation strategy.
New Brunswick School District - Redshaw School
A guide created for students based off of the reset component of the Nurtured Heart ApproachTM.
Tuckerton Borough School District - Tuckerton Elementary School
An elementary class created a book with entries from each student sharing what having a nurtured heart means to them.
Burlington County Special Services School District
Students brainstormed different ways they could reset themselves before erupting like a volcano.
Marlboro Township School District – Early Learning Center
NHA inspired activity during faculty meeting to support staff in shifting classroom culture and practices.
Franklin Township School District – Hunterdon County
A greatness card template was created to support school staff and students in recognizing one another.
Hope Academy Charter School
Created NHA Reference Cards available in different languages that parents and caregivers could utilize after being trained in the approach.
DREAMS Showcases
DREAMS 2021-2022SY Showcase
DREAMS 2023-2024SY Showcase
*If you are a current or former DREAMS district and would like a photo of your district's work to be spotlighted, please email SafeSupportiveSchools@doe.nj.gov.