Reference no: EM133488492

Child abuse is a difficult and sensitive subject. Early childhood educators may be in the position of needing to report abuse, or of offering information or referring family members to resources in the community.

Given that early childhood educators are in a position where they may have to report abuse, they should be able to effectively identify it. The next exercise gives you an opportunity to practice recognizing signs of abuse.

What have you learned about child abuse that will help you recognize a possible situation of abuse?

PART 1

Concerns about Reporting

Early childhood educators may have concerns about reporting incidents of child abuse, such as:

"I'm worried that I will be wrong."
"I wonder if there is anyone I can talk to about my concerns."
"What if the parents take their frustrations out on the child? That concerns me."
"I do not want to destroy the trust that I have developed with the child."
"Do the people from the welfare office call me back often?"
"I am concerned that the parents will take their child out of the centre."
These and other concerns that you may have are valid. However, early childhood educators must report their suspicions even if others ask them not to do so. A child's safety and well-being may be at risk.

What concerns do you have about the early childhood educator's role in reporting and preventing child abuse?

Part 2

It is easy to blame parents or assume they don't care enough about the children. What we need to do is try to understand some of the stresses that get in the way of good parenting, and see how quality child care can support families.

Think about what you have read and then read the following scenario.

Amy (two years old) frequently comes in without having eaten breakfast, and she seems quite tired during the morning.

Answer the questions below.

What family issues might be involved here?

How might the early childhood educators help?

PART 3

What communication methods are used at the child care program where you work?

Which do you think are most effective and why?

PART 4

After completing the Community Resources research, select two of the agencies that you researched.

Briefly describe the kind of service each agency provides for families, children and/or child care programs.

How might you make this information available to your co-workers or parents?