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 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 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 10 locations within the area, including two private schools, that serve our community. The D.A.R.E. core curriculum, ‘Keepin’ it REAL,' takes a hands-on, social influence approach that emphasizes and strengthens children’s refusal skills so they can better resist social pressures. 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 offered in 10 elementary schools, as well as at Poplar Creek Library, Kiddie Academy, Montessori School, and the Streamwood Park District. Designed for children ages 5–7, the program provides a variety of engaging safety lessons. Topics include how to call 9-1-1, basic food safety, memorizing their home address, what to do if they get lost, recognizing street signs, and understanding stranger danger. The program uses colorful posters, music, puppets, and weekly handouts, creating a fun and interactive way to introduce young children to law enforcement.
The fifth-grade program runs for three months and is taught at eight public U-46 schools and two private schools in Streamwood. This curriculum focuses on helping students make safe and responsible choices. It addresses real-life issues students face today, including bullying, cyberbullying, online safety, peer pressure, and the dangers of smoking and vaping. The program also emphasizes building self-confidence and developing positive decision-making skills.
In total, the Streamwood D.A.R.E. program reaches over 2,000 children each year. In addition to school-based instruction, D.A.R.E. is active throughout the community. Officers teach during the summer at the Junior Police Academy, participate in the Citizens Police Academy, and engage with residents at events like Summer Fest. The program also supports community outreach through business contacts, holiday events, picnics, Touch-a-Truck events, station tours, block parties, and after-school safety presentations.

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