Over the years, it has been very difficult for me to hear cases such as the one posted. While reading this article, I felt uncontrollable anger because of the horrible experiences that a child had to endure. ECE environments have an obligation to ensure that every single caregiver and employee has been background checked (as each state mandates, and federal checks for states that require it), reference checked, and under significant supervision before becoming responsible for a group of children. While most programs complete these checks, many programs operate out of compliance by allowing educators to begin 'orientation and training' before all of the background check results are returned to the program.
I couldn't imagine a teacher conjuring an idea to assault a toddler. Surely, it takes a filthy mind and disgusting hands to touch a child in a sexual manner. Some questions come to mind: 'How or why were the classrooms not being observed and assessed regularly by management? Yet again, corporate ECE directors and administrators are often more engrossed with the 'numbers' than they are with ensuring that their program is operating at the highest rate of efficiency and quality.'
Young children need clear level headed educators to provide care, nurturing and education on a daily basis. To protect young children, programs should consider the use of more than one educator in every classroom, every single day, all day. There should be a list of approved substitutes that can fill in when one of the regular educators are not able to be present. Most programs do not have financial budgets to cover such an arrangement, but this is an area that state or federal subsidies could benefit the programs serving the young children.
It is important that families practice due diligence when enrolling their children in an ECE program. A couple pointers to foster open communication with your child's teachers:
1. Arrive at random times for pick ups.
2. Note the interactions with All staff members (sexism is unacceptable).
3. Volunteer in the program if it's possible.
4. Communicate openly with your children as well as the classroom teachers and administrators.
5. Speak up about situations that don't make you feel comfortable.
6. When your children are old enough to understand, teach the proper terms for body parts.
7. As children age, help them understand safe touches and those that are not appropriate.
8. Refrain from telling children that they're 'nasty or dirty' if you find them touching private parts of their body. Instead, explain the difference between a private bathroom, or sitting in the chair at a table in school.
9. Pay close attention to the results of state licensing and health and sanitation visits. If something makes you uncomfortable, ask for specifics.
No one wants a monstrous situation when they enroll their children in an ECE program. Help protect your children, and help build your community!
http://www.wowt.com/content/news/Daycare-faces-lawsuits-over-sexual-assaults-436423063.html
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