Services to meet your needs
Center for Safe Schools (CSS), a program of the Center for Schools and Communities (CSC), has been a trusted resource for over two decades, supporting educators, parents, law enforcement and community partners in fostering school safety, bullying prevention, and youth violence prevention.
CSS is dedicated to empowering schools to cultivate safe and supportive learning environments through access to comprehensive resources, specialized training, and technical assistance. Leveraging the expertise of our staff and a robust network of state and national researchers and practitioners, CSS offers tailored services designed to meet the unique needs of schools and their communities.
These services include:
Through these efforts, CSS is committed to building and maintaining environments where students can learn, thrive, and feel secure.
Comprehensive School Safety Assessments
Physical Security and Behavioral Health/School Climate Assessments
Creating a safe, supportive, and successful learning environment begins with understanding where your school stands today. An assessment from Center for Safe Schools (CSS) provides an objective, independent evaluation of your current strengths, identifies opportunities for improvement, and delivers practical recommendations to help you prioritize resources, strengthen systems, and make informed decisions that protect and support students, staff, and visitors. Recommendations from an independent expert also carry added credibility with school boards, families, staff, community partners, insurers, and potential funding agencies by demonstrating your commitment to an objective, evidence-based approach to school safety and student well-being.
“Thanks for sending over the completed report. It reaffirms the areas we have focused on improving and provides some practical, actionable items for us to address in the coming months. It was a pleasure to work with you all again.”
CSS provides specialized Physical Security and Behavioral Health/School Climate Assessments to help schools align with best practices for safety and student well-being. These assessments are conducted by trained, Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency-approved CSS assessors who evaluate school buildings and environments based on established criteria, producing recommendations for immediate action and long-term planning tailored to the school’s needs.
CSS Assessment Package Includes:
- Ongoing technical support before and after the assessment.
- Clear and concise final assessment reports with recommendations for immediate action and long-term planning.
- Optional professional development opportunities tailored to your school’s specific needs.
- Support available to present assessment findings to key stakeholders.
- Assurance that your school’s safety and behavioral health requirements are being addressed.
CSS can conduct assessments in school buildings including charter schools, Intermediate Units and career and technical centers.
Physical Assessments
CSS assessors conduct comprehensive evaluations of a school’s physical environment to identify potential safety concerns and opportunities for improvement. This includes examining building security, visitor management systems, emergency procedures, and physical access points.
Behavioral Health/School Climate Assessments
CSS evaluates the school environment from a behavioral health and school climate perspective, focusing on the experiences of students, staff, and community members. Using established criteria, these assessments guide schools in fostering a safe and inclusive atmosphere.
CSS assessors will:
- Evaluate arrival and dismissal practices for safety and efficiency.
- Conduct walk-throughs of school facilities and grounds to identify risks and opportunities.
- (Optional) Interview staff and students to gather insights. Virtual options are available to accommodate busy schedules.
- Review policies and procedures related to bullying prevention, behavioral health and threat assessment.
- Analyze school climate and staff satisfaction data to inform recommendations.
- Provide a detailed final report with actionable recommendations to enhance school safety and climate.
By partnering with CSS for these assessments, schools can gain a clearer understanding of their current practices and receive expert guidance to create safer, more supportive environments for students and staff alike.
Estimated Cost for Assessments
Please note: Travel for the assessor is not included in the estimates below. Please contact us for a detailed estimate.
| Number of Students per Building | Base Cost for 2026-2027 |
|---|---|
| 50-300 | $3,100 |
| 301-750 | $3,300 |
| 751-2,000 | $3,500 |
| 2,001+ | $4,000 |
Schedule your Assessment by Aug. 15 for Free Professional Development
Schools who schedule an assessment by Aug. 15 (the assessment can take place after Aug. 15) will receive one free 2-hour Act 55 virtual professional development on topics such as:
- Behavioral Threat Assessment
- Emergency Preparedness
- School Climate
- Situational Awareness
- Staff Safety Readiness
- Trauma Informed Care
Schedules for the 2026-2027 will fill up quickly.