Because children and adolescents spend a large portion of their time in school, educators, nurses, coaches, psychologists, administrators, bus drivers and maintenance staff have more access to students than most other professionals–indeed most other people–including sometimes their parents. School personnel, especially educators, have a vital role in identifying, reporting and preventing child abuse and neglect.

Consequently, over the years, schools have worked closely with the Department of Children and Families, as well as mental health professionals and others, to develop programs directed at informing educators that they are a valuable resource. As mandated reporters, all educators have the responsibility not only to report suspected abuse, but also to know how to make a report, to be familiar with their district’s policies and reporting procedures, and to communicate with child protection services. Educators have a deep sense of their professional responsibility to the children in their care. They are concerned about their health, safety, and happiness. Educators recognize that they are role models for the children they teach and that they may be an important source of support, concern, and care for many children.