Celebrate Safety - Teacher Facilitator Handbook

Celebrate Safety Teacher Inservice Facilitator Guide

Getting Started

1. Choose an inservice date (or dates) depending upon whether or not you choose to combine the grade levels up to item E on the inservice agenda. The inservice is approximately two hours. It may be longer if you invite your school nurse or other district personnel to review district policy on reporting child abuse.
2. Send each staff member a notice about the inservice. A master is included in this handbook. Give each staff member a brochure on the educational program.
3. Gather needed materials:
   
   - Celebrate Safety school-wide package
   - A copy of the inservice agenda for each teacher depending on his/her grade level. A master copy is included in this handbook.
   - Chart paper and pens for 3 brainstorming groups
   - A copy of the enclosed Effects of Abuse on Children - S.F. Child Abuse Council for each teacher. A master copy is included in this handbook.
   - Transparency ( if you choose to make one) of enclosed Effects of Abuse on Children and overhead projector (optional).
   - Poster or Transparency with hints for handling disclosure (optional)
   - Additional chart paper or chalkboard
   - Two T.V. / VCRs (if you are conducting the inservice on one day)
4. Your Notes

Celebrate Safety Teacher Inservice

The following is an excerpt from inservices given by Janiece Hopper, SOC-UM's Director of Education. You may use it to the extent you choose.

"In 1992, approximately 2.9 million children nationwide were reported to CPS as suspected victims of child/abuse and neglect. Over 1.3 million cases were confirmed. We've all heard that 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 5 boys will be molested before the age of 18. This includes exhibitionism, fondling, and intercourse. 15% of sexual abuse is committed by strangers. Sexual abuse is the main motivation behind abduction. 85% of sexual abuse is committed by people children know and trust. As the links between substance abuse and child abuse grow, more and more children are at risk.

Educators know there is a need for an educational program dealing with child abuse prevention. Although there have been many wonderful programs in our schools over the years, most have relied upon volunteers and/or state funding and therefore are unreliable. Safeguarding Our Children- United Mothers is a non-profit organization dedicated to the prevention of all forms of child abuse. The organization has created Celebrate Safety for classroom teachers to ensure that all children everywhere have an equal opportunity to receive the information they need. The organization is sensitive to the many time and financial pressures teachers face so the program is very inexpensive and workable. The pre-school through Grade 1 or 2 program is designed to be completed in four days in 4 twenty minute segments and the Grade 3-6 program was meant to be completed in a one day seminar. However, individual teachers may opt to divide it into segments and complete it within a week. The emphasis of the program in on celebration of the child's empowerment. We all know that the rise in juvenile crime, teenage pregnancy, and substance abuse is directly related to child abuse. This all takes a terrible toll on society. We all have a stake in preventing child abuse. "

A. Types, Definitions, and Physical Signs of Child Abuse (20 minutes)

Invite staff to divide into three groups- one for physical abuse, one for sexual abuse, and one for neglect. Have the groups brainstorm the definition and some physical signs of that form of child abuse on their chart paper. Have each group share their information. Note that although it is not covered here, emotional abuse is a very serious problem. Remind your colleagues that all of the self-esteem building they do on a daily basis can truly help counteract emotional abuse at home.

B. Effects of Abuse on Children (5 minutes)

Distribute copies of Effects of Abuse on Children - S.F. Child Abuse Council. Display and discuss your copy on an overhead projector if you choose to.

C. How Child Abuse Affects Success in School (10 minutes)

As a large group, brainstorm how each type of abuse can affect academic success. To save time, you may simply choose to highlight the following.

Physical Abuse:

Poor prenatal care/ substance abuse can lead to learning and behavioral problems.

Head injuries (especially in infants) can lead to brain damage - learning disabilities.

If caretakers use force to stifle and control conflicts at home, children lack good models for problem solving and interpersonal communication.

Sexual Abuse:

Victims often disassociate from reality so that they can survive emotionally. They can be habituated to tuning out the external world. It is difficult and frightening for them to tune in at school. The on/off quality we'd hope them to have is terribly painful and only a few children are able to manage it.

This also applies to children who've witnessed or continue to live in violent circumstances.

Neglect:

Untreated ear infections over time may lead to impaired language development.

Neglected children are less likely to have the background and language experiences needed for academic success.

Hunger, illness, pain ( i.e. toothaches) interfere with concentration in the classroom.

Low self-esteem creates a myriad of problems including low resistance to peer pressure and later substance abuse. Children can be afraid to take risks which is as essential element in learning.