Child Advocacy Center Focuses on Child Abuse Prevention Training in Preschools
Director Carrie Barrett of R Kids R Small Wonders Preschool in Murfreesboro is a partner with the Child Advocacy Center during 19 Days of Activism. A participant in the Darkness to Light: Stewards of Children training, her staff and volunteers know the importance of child sexual abuse training and how to respond to warning signs of abuse.
Eighty-five percent of the time, the first signs of child sexual abuse surface in the classroom. Instead of writing the child off as “a bad kid,” teachers must be held accountable by recognizing signs and knowing how to respond to child abuse. Carrie Barrett affirmed the training’s importance with her staff, “The Darkness to Light training not only educated my staff on signs to look for in a child’s behavior, but examples of sexual boundaries you can discuss with your child to prevent sexual abuse.” Darkness to Light: Stewards of Children aims to give people working with kids the understanding of best practices when working with children.
Professionals, parents, church leaders and young adults have been past beneficiaries, and claim a better understanding how to apply this info. Barrett provided further insight saying, “I plan as a director, mother, wife and grandmother to continue educating my staff and families at our center on child sexual abuse. Not being afraid to stand up for children will allow for children to grow up in a happy, abuse-free environment!” By introducing this topic to teachers at R Kids R Small Wonders Preschool, Carrie Barrett is holding those working with children accountable and building trust with the families attending her preschool.
A way to get involved with the Child Advocacy Center is to attend this free child sexual abuse prevention training. The Child Advocacy Center provides free child abuse prevention trainings in the Rutherford and Cannon County communities. Darkness to Light: Stewards of Children training materials provide participants the knowledge of how to respond if a child discloses abuse. Becoming aware of this issue in Rutherford and Cannon Counties is the first step towards creating a better community.
