Title: Describe signs of child abuse and neglect.
Course: GRADS – Work Focus (19906) > Section: Training Professionals in Early Learning Environments

Description should include

- types of abuse
  - emotional and verbal abuse
  - physical abuse
  - sexual abuse
- types of neglect
  - emotional neglect
  - physical neglect.

Description should also include procedures for reporting suspected child abuse or neglect to the designated instructor or staff members and ensuring confidentiality as required by state and federal regulations.

Process/Skill Questions

Thinking

- What are some ethical issues for childcare professionals regarding determining and reporting child abuse or neglect?
- What are some potential consequences of reporting or failing to report suspected cases?
- What criteria should be used to decide if symptoms displayed by a child might be the result of abuse or neglect?

Communication

- How can the policies and procedures regarding reporting of suspected child abuse and neglect be communicated to parents, children, and the community?
- How might social, cultural, or ethnic differences in the client population influence the communication regarding child abuse and neglect?
- What community resources are available to educate parents and children on child abuse and neglect?

Leadership

- What should be done to help prevent child abuse and neglect in the community?
- What skills and knowledge are needed to recognize possible cases of child abuse and neglect?
- How can early care providers be advocates for child abuse prevention?

Management

- What strategies might be effective in preventing cases of child abuse and neglect?
- What is the local procedure for reporting suspected child abuse and neglect?
- Who are the designated authorities for reporting child abuse in your community? What resources are available for adults and children involved in cases of child abuse and neglect?
- In an early care setting, why is it critical to carefully document suspected cases of child abuse and neglect?