In-House Newsletter
May 2017
Education Specialist
Quality Program and Learning Environment Checklists
With the different curriculum components requirements for each age group, we thought it would be beneficial to have a checklist to know exactly which age group should be participating in which component. In the updated Quality Program and Learning Environment Standard book you will find a Required Curriculum Component Checklist on page 13. We also created a checklist for the required Learning Environment Standards Checklist that can be found on page 29. This checklist is also broken down into age groups. With these checklists, you will be able to have an at-a-glance view of the requirements in each classroom.
You can find PDF copies of the new Quality Program and Learning Environment Standards at Google Drive > Shared With Me > QPS LES > Quality and Learning Standards or at SharePoint > Education > Quality Program Standards / The Learning Environment > Quality and Learning Standards 2017
Rainbow Representative
Each month we will continue to provide ideas as well as general tips for connecting with staff and families. We would also love to hear your ideas and see your hard work! Please send ideas and pictures of completed activities to education@rainbowccc.com.
Staff Connection Idea- As your staff prepares for Parent/Teacher Conferences be sure to spread send some encouragement. Let them know you see their hard work by sending an encouraging note! Create a commitment board in the break room. Use the quote “I am committed to learning, growing, and being the best that I can be!” and encourage your staff to sign their names as a reminder of their commitment to the center and to themselves!
Family Connection Idea- “Time spent playing with children is never wasted!” Dawn Iantero. May 24th is National Scavenger Hunt Day! Come up with some ideas on what your families can look for outside when they get home. Encourage your families to spend time together exploring the great outdoors!
Health, Safety and Licensing Coordinator
Child Safety and Mandated Reporting
Mandated Reporting
In case you are unaware, any adult professional that works closely with children is considered a mandated reporter. This means that you have a legal responsibility to report suspected or disclosed abuse. Mandatory reporter laws are in place for individuals that work closely with children in their profession to alert appropriate authorities of any suspected abuse. Mandated reporters include teachers, school administrators, healthcare personnel, employees in youth serving organizations, and law enforcement. Here are a few more interesting facts on child abuse & mandated reporting.
* Every year, more than 3 million reports of child abuse are made in the United States involving more than 6 million children (a report can include multiple children).
* A report of child abuse it made every ten seconds.
* In 2012, state agencies found an estimated 686,000 victims of child maltreatment. This estimate would pack 10 modern football stadiums.
* In 2012, state agencies identified an estimated 1,640 children who died as a result of abuse and neglect- between four and five children a day. However, studies also indicate significant undercounting of child maltreatment fatalities by state agencies- by 50% or more. That’s roughly 1/5 of a child’s elementary school class.
* More than 70% of the children who dies as a result of child abuse or neglect were two years of age or younger .
What is child abuse?
Child abuse is when a parent or caregiver, whether through actions or failing to act, causes injury, death, emotional harm, or risk of serious harm to a child. There are many forms of child maltreatment, including but not limited to
* Neglect
* Physical abuse
* Emotional abuse
* Child abandonment
* Inadequate supervision
* Failure to adequately provide for the child’s safety and physical/emotional needs.
Listed below are key points that can be referenced to in case you are unsure of what to do in a situation involving abuse or neglect.
* Document (a simple pen and pad can help you keep track of what was said/done)
* If an employee witnesses a coworker abusing and/or neglecting a child, they are REQUIRED to immediately report the incident, or be held criminally responsible.
* Anonymous reports (all mandated reporters have the right to report issues pertaining to abuse anonymously).
Never be afraid to speak up on the behalf of our children. If we are consistent with the usage of our child abuse, neglect and mandated reporting training, we can achieve great things as a company. These steps will help us safeguard priority one, our children.