What signs should a Daycare Provider look for? The
following is by no means all inclusive of what happens,
and no one child will have all symptoms. Plus, all of
these symptoms can happen for various reasons with
children who are well adjusted and live in safe, loving
homes. These indicators are offered only as a guideline
for what is frequently seen in abused children, and
should alert the Daycare Provider to be watchful,
exercise good judgment, and make a report if it appears
that a child is being abused.
Physical indicators of possible abuse can include
bruises, burns, fractures, dislocations, marks
suggesting restraint by tying up or gagging, bald spots
from hair pulling, U shaped bites (animal bites are
more V shaped), lacerations, and abrasions. Bruises are
often clustered in a specific area and may be found on
both sides of the body, such as spanking both sides
inconsistent with an accident). There may be evidence
of old and new injuries, or the explanation such as
falling on the playground does not fit what can be seen
such as welts the shape of a belt.
Emotional indicators can include excessive crying,
fear, hiding, aggressiveness, being hyper-vigilant,
anger,moodiness, or showing little or no emotion as if
they just didn't care.
Abuse through neglect is the hardest type to
substantiate. Signs may include a consistently dirty
child, inappropriate clothing (torn, dirty, same
clothes several days in a row, inappropriate for the
season), vermin in the hair or on clothing, medical or
dental problems that endanger the child not taken care
of, indicators of inadequate food (underweight due to
not enough food, overweight due to poor diet,
constantly hungry), or body odors due to not being
bathed. Some behavioral characteristics of neglected
children are being overly concerned for needs of the
adults or appearing indifferent, being clingy,
possessive with objects or games, resentful of other
children, stealing, appearing to not trust, may be
withdrawn, or may show delayed speech and language
development.
Child abuse has been "discovered" many times throughout
history, then ignored and buried. Today, a child has
the legal right to be safe and protected as well as an
ethical right. This has become a double edged sword,
both protecting children and also giving them a weapon
to use on adults who do not give them what they want.
Daycare Providers need to be alert, use good judgment,
and document any incidents or accidents that are
explained by the parents, or that occur in the daycare
facility while the child is in their care.
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