Seminar Description
Both the level and intensity of early childhood abuse and neglect have increased alarmingly in the last decade. Teachers and alternative caretakers need to demonstrate their concern for these maltreated children not only because they are legally and ethically required to report abuse, but also because they are in unique positions to help students regain their self-esteem and positive feeling of being valued, loved, and respected by others.
Dr. Lowenthal defines and describes the types and signs of early child maltreatment including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, and neglect. She provides guidance for intervention while emphasizing the necessity for awareness of and sensitivity toward cultural linguistic diversity in family values and caregiving.
In this seminar, participants will get
- explanations of possible effects on learning and development in the physical, cognitive, and social-emotional areas for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and young school-age children
- factors to be considered in the abuse assessment such as the needs of the child and the family, their psychosocial history, and core values in working with families
- an outline of the role of the early childhood educator as a mandated reporter of child maltreatment, and provides guidelines for reporting
- a description of the process of the juvenile court hearing including the possible effects of out of home placements, the best interest, and the rights of the child
- examples of educational interventions for young maltreated children who demonstrate precursors of learning disabilities
Following the session, participants will be able to
- explain the signs and types of early childhood abuse and neglect
- summarize the role of the educator as a mandated reporter of child maltreatment and as a helper to the child and the family
- describe a number of educational interventions and prevention programs
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