Mandated Report,
Child Abuse/Neglect, Statement of Commitment, Ethical Code Statements
Mandated Reporter Statement
Michigan Law identifies all Child Care Providers are mandated reporters. Under the Child Protection Law, child care providers must contact Children’s Protective Services (CPS) immediately when they suspect child abuse or neglect. The immediate verbal report must be made to Centralized intake by calling (855)444-3911. The verbal report must be followed by a written report. The written report must be submitted within 72 hours. DHS encourages the use of Report of Suspected or Actual Child Abuse or Neglect (DHS-3200 form which includes all the information required by law. The written report may be faxed to (616)977-1154 or (616)977-1158 or e-mail to [email protected] reporting the situation to administration or other staff does not relieve the caregiver of their mandated responsibility to report to CPS.
As a staff member of ______________________
Michigan Law identifies all Child Care Providers are mandated reporters. Under the Child Protection Law, child care providers must contact Children’s Protective Services (CPS) immediately when they suspect child abuse or neglect. The immediate verbal report must be made to Centralized intake by calling (855)444-3911. The verbal report must be followed by a written report. The written report must be submitted within 72 hours. DHS encourages the use of Report of Suspected or Actual Child Abuse or Neglect (DHS-3200 form which includes all the information required by law. The written report may be faxed to (616)977-1154 or (616)977-1158 or e-mail to [email protected] reporting the situation to administration or other staff does not relieve the caregiver of their mandated responsibility to report to CPS.
As a staff member of ______________________
- I am aware that the abuse and neglect of children is against the law.
- I have been informed of the center’s policies on abuse and neglect.
- I know that caregivers (including myself) are mandated by law to immediately report suspected abuse or neglect of children to child protection services.
- By signing this statement I am stating that I understand my above responsibilities and agree to follow Michigan Law and center/school policy regarding this matter. I also understand that this information will be shared with the State of Michigan, Department of Human Services.
CHILD ABUSE/NEGLECT
All employees must sign upon hiring this child abuse and neglect statement per the State of Michigan requirement below.
As a prospective staff member of_____________________________
I am aware the abuse and neglect of children is against the law.
I have been informed of the center’s policies on abuse and neglect.
I know that caregivers are mandated by law to report abuse and neglect.
If any staff member suspects that child has been abused or neglected. They must immediately report by telephone to DHS protective services 1 (866) 957-5010. The same staff person must complete a written report (DHS3200) and forward to the Department Of Human Services within 72 hours. Staff members will also inform the program director/or the owner of the suspected abuse or neglect.
All employees must sign upon hiring this child abuse and neglect statement per the State of Michigan requirement below.
As a prospective staff member of_____________________________
I am aware the abuse and neglect of children is against the law.
I have been informed of the center’s policies on abuse and neglect.
I know that caregivers are mandated by law to report abuse and neglect.
If any staff member suspects that child has been abused or neglected. They must immediately report by telephone to DHS protective services 1 (866) 957-5010. The same staff person must complete a written report (DHS3200) and forward to the Department Of Human Services within 72 hours. Staff members will also inform the program director/or the owner of the suspected abuse or neglect.
Ethical Code/ Statement of Commitment
The NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct and Statement of Commitment is a guideline designed to help early childhood educators and other professionals who work in infant/toddler programs, preschools, child care centers, family child care homes, kindergarten, and primary classrooms in issues that involve young children and their families.
It is composed of four sections that specify standards of ethical behavior and responsibilities that educators must have to children, families, colleagues (co-workers and employers), community and society. Also, provides guidance for professionals who face difficult dilemmas in early childhood care and education.
Each code section contains the ideals (what is expected from practitioners) and principles (the guide conduct regarding ethical dilemmas), which help professionals to reflect on the question: "What would a good early childhood educator do?"
Framework of ethical behavior for early child educators presented in the NAEYC Code of Ethics:
Children:
*Ideals
-To be familiar with child development and keep current with new practices
-To recognize the uniqueness and potential of each child.
-To appreciate the vulnerability of young children.
-Above all, do no harm to children.
-Be aware of symptoms of child abuse and neglect.
Families:
*Ideals
-To respect the dignity of each family and its culture and belief
-To interpret each child's progress to parents with a developmental perspective
-To help family members improve their understanding of their children
-Develop written policies to protect the confidentiality and disclosure of children's records.
-Maintain confidentiality and respect the family' right to privacy except when necessary for situations of abuse.
Colleagues:
*Ideals - Establish and maintain relationships of trust with co-workers
Behave professionally toward co-workers, community and society:
*Ideals - to work toward high quality programs that serve children and support policies, and laws that promote the well being of children.
*Principles - List of ways to create good programs for children.
Gossip between teachers
Unfortunately this always happens among teachers. I already faced some situations, in which a teacher started talking about a colleague, and also wanted to know my opinion about him. In my opinion, this is an ethical responsibility and also an ethical dilemma. As teachers we have to talk with our colleague if we see this is doing something that in not ethical. However, this situation can also be considered as an ethical dilemma depending on how we are going to approach my colleagues in a good and positive way. We always have to have a good relationship with our colleagues, and respect all of them in order to establish a good work environment.
How will I use the Code of Ethics with my colleagues, children and families that I work for?
In my opinion, the best way of use the Code of Ethics is to have a positive attitude towards children, families and colleagues. This means that I will always work to provide an environment in which children feel safe and comfortable to learn, respecting their differences and diversity. Also, I will never forget that families are very important in children development. For this reason, I will always find ways to involve parents in order to enhance their children development and learn. In addition, I will respect co- workers and always maintain a productive work environment. Last, that I am the voice of young children, and always have to be an advocate for them.
If I have this commitment, I will be respecting and applying the Code of Ethics with my students, they're families and my colleagues. I am sure that the fact of following the guidelines on daily practice will help me to be a good early childhood professional for the community that I work for.
The NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct and Statement of Commitment is a guideline designed to help early childhood educators and other professionals who work in infant/toddler programs, preschools, child care centers, family child care homes, kindergarten, and primary classrooms in issues that involve young children and their families.
It is composed of four sections that specify standards of ethical behavior and responsibilities that educators must have to children, families, colleagues (co-workers and employers), community and society. Also, provides guidance for professionals who face difficult dilemmas in early childhood care and education.
Each code section contains the ideals (what is expected from practitioners) and principles (the guide conduct regarding ethical dilemmas), which help professionals to reflect on the question: "What would a good early childhood educator do?"
Framework of ethical behavior for early child educators presented in the NAEYC Code of Ethics:
Children:
*Ideals
-To be familiar with child development and keep current with new practices
-To recognize the uniqueness and potential of each child.
-To appreciate the vulnerability of young children.
-Above all, do no harm to children.
-Be aware of symptoms of child abuse and neglect.
Families:
*Ideals
-To respect the dignity of each family and its culture and belief
-To interpret each child's progress to parents with a developmental perspective
-To help family members improve their understanding of their children
-Develop written policies to protect the confidentiality and disclosure of children's records.
-Maintain confidentiality and respect the family' right to privacy except when necessary for situations of abuse.
Colleagues:
*Ideals - Establish and maintain relationships of trust with co-workers
Behave professionally toward co-workers, community and society:
*Ideals - to work toward high quality programs that serve children and support policies, and laws that promote the well being of children.
*Principles - List of ways to create good programs for children.
Gossip between teachers
Unfortunately this always happens among teachers. I already faced some situations, in which a teacher started talking about a colleague, and also wanted to know my opinion about him. In my opinion, this is an ethical responsibility and also an ethical dilemma. As teachers we have to talk with our colleague if we see this is doing something that in not ethical. However, this situation can also be considered as an ethical dilemma depending on how we are going to approach my colleagues in a good and positive way. We always have to have a good relationship with our colleagues, and respect all of them in order to establish a good work environment.
How will I use the Code of Ethics with my colleagues, children and families that I work for?
In my opinion, the best way of use the Code of Ethics is to have a positive attitude towards children, families and colleagues. This means that I will always work to provide an environment in which children feel safe and comfortable to learn, respecting their differences and diversity. Also, I will never forget that families are very important in children development. For this reason, I will always find ways to involve parents in order to enhance their children development and learn. In addition, I will respect co- workers and always maintain a productive work environment. Last, that I am the voice of young children, and always have to be an advocate for them.
If I have this commitment, I will be respecting and applying the Code of Ethics with my students, they're families and my colleagues. I am sure that the fact of following the guidelines on daily practice will help me to be a good early childhood professional for the community that I work for.