Session 3
1. Session 3
1.1. Get Focused
Session 3: Child Abuse, Family Violence, and Community Resources
Getting Focused Activity: Thinking About Child Abuse
Individuals who choose to work in child care feel very strongly that children should be nurtured, respected, and protected. Child abuse strikes at the very core of a caregiver’s commitment to children. Child care workers need to prepare for dealing with child abuse in a professional manner, in accordance with the laws of the province.
What Would You Do If . . . ?
With another person taking this course, discuss how you might respond in each of the situations listed below. As you are chatting, be sure to examine what is motivating your actions in each of the following scenarios.
- At naptime, you noticed bruises on a child’s back.
- You overheard a parent yell at a child, “I don’t know why I kept you! You make my life miserable!”
- On a daily basis, a child arrives at the daycare with soiled clothing and seems quite hungry.
The following are reasons why child care workers must understand and know how to deal with abuse:
- Child care workers are in a good position to note any changes in a child’s behaviour.
- Child care workers are in a unique position of trust with both the children and the parents. A child may talk freely with a trusted caregiver.
- Child care workers can observe the relationship between children and other caregivers, as well as between children and family members.