The Role of Professional Child Care Providers in Preventing and Responding to Child Abuse and Neglect

This manual examines the roles and responsibilities of child care providers in preventing, recognizing, reporting, and responding to child abuse and neglect within and outside early childhood programs and child care settings. It also presents an overview of prevention efforts, reporting laws, and the ways child care providers can care for and support maltreated children and their families.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Preface

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

CHAPTER 1 Purpose and Overview

CHAPTER 2 Recognizing Child Abuse or Neglect

CHAPTER 3 Reporting Suspected Child Abuse or Neglect

CHAPTER 4 Minimizing the Risk of Maltreatment in Child Care Programs

CHAPTER 5 Preventing and Responding to Child Abuse and Neglect: The Role of Family Child Care Providers

CHAPTER 6 Responding to Allegations of Child Maltreatment in Child Care Programs

CHAPTER 7 Caring for Maltreated and At-Risk Children

CHAPTER 8 Supporting Parents

Endnotes

APPENDIX A Glossary of Terms

APPENDIX B Resource Listings of Selected National Organizations Concerned with Child Care and with Child Maltreatment

APPENDIX C State Telephone Numbers for Reporting Child Maltreatment

APPENDIX D Handouts for Parents

APPENDIX E Sample Report of Suspected Child Abuse or Neglect

APPENDIX F Risk Indicators: Touch Policy1

APPENDIX G Risk Indicators: Developmental Expectations of Children, Particularly Those With Special Needs1

APPENDIX H Risk Indicators: Child Abuse Prevention Curriculum1

APPENDIX I Family Support Strategies1

We also recommend the following Information Gateway publications:

• Child Protective Services: A Guide for Caseworkers 2003
• The Role of Educators in Preventing and Responding to Child Abuse and Neglect
• The Role of First Responders in Child Maltreatment Cases: Disaster and Nondisaster Situations