ACTIVE SUPERVISION
Staff should position themselves so they can see and hear children at all times.
What is active supervision?
True or False: Yelling at a child to embarrass or frighten them is acceptable if the child refuses to listen.
What is FALSE?
Head Start staff who have reasonable cause to suspect child abuse or neglect have this responsibility.
What is mandatory reporting?
I can ask “Why?” 47 times before 9:00 a.m., lose one shoe while wearing it, and somehow know exactly when an adult opens a snack.
Who is a CHILD?
A teacher is helping one child in the bathroom while the other children are playing. What must still happen?
What is maintaining supervision of ALL children?
Staff must treat every child with this, even during challenging behaviors.
What is respect and dignity?
True or False: You need proof that abuse occurred before making a report.
What is FALSE?
I work with children and families. I have paperwork. I have deadlines. People sometimes avoid me when they see me coming because I probably need one more document or signature.
Who is a FA
Before leaving the playground, staff should do this—and then do it again after entering the building.
What is count and account for every child?
A child refuses to clean up. A staff member says, “If you don't clean up, you don't get lunch.” Is this allowed?
What is NO? Food cannot be used as punishment or reward.
A child tells you something concerning about what happened at home. Instead of investigating, your job is to do these two things.
What are listen and report?
Safety is a huge part of my job. I count children, watch what's happening around me, and have to stay alert even when several children are talking at once. But unlike most staff, I'd better keep my eyes open.
Who is a bus driver?
A staff member says, “I thought she was watching him.” What important supervision practice was missing?
What is clear staff communication?
SCENARIO: You see another staff member roughly grab a child's arm because the child will not sit down. What should you do?
What is intervene to protect the child and immediately report the concern according to required procedures?
True or False: Reporting suspected abuse or neglect to your supervisor automatically fulfills your responsibility as a mandated reporter.
What is FALSE? Staff must follow applicable mandated-reporting requirements; telling a supervisor does not replace a required report to the proper authority.
People depend on me every day. I follow strict rules, watch the clock, keep things clean and safe, and if I'm running behind, a whole lot of little people are going to notice. 😂
Who is a cook?
You're on the playground with 17 children. One is crying, two are arguing over the same truck, three are yelling your name, somebody has a mysterious wet spot, and one child announces, “DON'T WORRY—I KNOW HOW TO DO IT!” 😳
Which child should immediately get your attention?
What is the one who said, “DON'T WORRY—I KNOW HOW TO DO IT!” 😂😂😂
“I was frustrated” or “I was having a bad day” does not excuse violating these.
What are the Head Start Standards of Conduct?
A child tells you something concerning that might indicate abuse or neglect. You aren't sure exactly what happened, and you don't want to overreact. What do you need BEFORE making a mandated report?
A. Proof
B. The whole story
C. Your supervisor's permission
D. Discuss it with your co-partner to see what they think
E. None of the above — you're a mandated reporter, not CSI: Head Start. 🕵️😂
What is E — NONE OF THE ABOVE?
I work with the whole family, not just the child. I care about learning, health, attendance, meals, safety, family goals, and school readiness. I have so many requirements that sometimes even the staff say, “Wait…we have to track THAT too?”
What is HEAD START?