Category Archives: Child

Child

No Child Left Behind Act

Posted on by

The “No Child Left Behind Act” was enacted in 2001 by President George W. Bush. The main feature of this act is that it reinstated the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, which was the featured federal law that affected secondary education. The NCLB is known for increasing the accountability of schools , providing more choices for parents, increasing local control and flexibility, and putting an emphasis on improving academic performance through scientific research.

Increased Accountability on Schools for Better Results

The No Child Left Behind has improved statewide education by holding every school system responsible for the academic results of their students. Under the NCLB states works closely with their schools in order to bride the achievement gap and ensure that all students are achieving the state set standard of academic proficiency. Each year parents receive state and school district reports that review the progress achieved within their state educational system. Any school that does not meet the academic standards is required to provide supplemental services, such as free tutoring. In addition to these services the school is also required take corrective actions in order to improve their educational performance. If the school has not improved their academics over a span of five years, the school is forced to make dramatic changes.

Local Government Provided with Additional Freedom

The No Child Left Behind has provided states and school districts with an increased flexibility in how they use their federal education funds. This substantial increase in flexibility has allowed states to reallocate their funding into programs such as Improving Teacher Quality State Grants, Educational Technology, Innovative Programs, and Safe and Drug-Free Schools programs. This allows each state and school district to cater to the needs of their specific community, and allows them to allocate their resources in the best fit manner without the delays of consulting a higher authority. Overall the NCLB allows for a faster process to improve school systems.

Implementation of Scientifically Proven Education Methods

One of the most positive features of this act is that it supports the use of scientific study in order to implement the best educational programs and practices. Through scientific research we find the most effective practices that improve the academic performance of our students. Once these practices are proven to be successful, the state is provided with federal funding that targets the use of these programs.

NCLB Provides More Options for Parents

Under the NCLB, parents are given more options when the school is performing below the academic standard. If a school is performing below the standard for two consecutive years, parents are given the option to transfer their children to a better-performing public school within their district. If this transfer becomes effective, the district must provide the appropriate transportation for the child. In addition, students who attend a persistently dangerous school are given the option to attend a safe school within their district.

Effects of Child Abuse

Posted on by

Neglect of a child is not limited to physical abuse; it encompasses physical, emotional, sexual abuse. The effects of these types of abuse are not limited to the number of years the child suffers; unfortunately, the effects of child abuse last a lifetime. Studies on child abuse have proven the negative effects are more than skin deep, and can have permanent physical, intellectual, and psychological consequences throughout adolescence and adulthood. Continue reading →

Child Protective Services

Posted on by

All reports of child abuse are first directed to the Child Protective Services agency of state of residence. When reporting a case of child abuse, each state requires certain professionals and institutions to report suspected maltreatment. Examples of these professionals include health care providers and facilities, mental health care providers, teachers and other school staff, social workers, police officers, foster care providers, and daycare providers. Continue reading →

CAPTA

Posted on by

The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) is the key legislation used to address the issue of child abuse and neglect. CAPTA is known for providing Federal funding to States in support of prevention, assessment, investigation, prosecution, and treatment. In addition to state funding, CAPTA provides grants to public agencies and nonprofit organizations for demonstrations and projects in order to spread the word of child abuse. Continue reading →

Child Abuse

Posted on by

Sometimes we need to face the raw facts to grasp the true brutality that our nation is up against. To many people, child abuse and neglect is one of the most serious concerns of world. While some individual’s face this harsh reality every day, few people truly understand the impact of child abuse. It’s time to face the facts: Continue reading →

Child Home Safety

Posted on by

This article includes a list of child safety tips to make your home a safer place to live for your children.
For more on child safety, watch this child safety video and have your kids play the fun and educational child safety games.

“Keep it Cool” Bathroom Child Safety

  • Place grab bars and non-skid mats in your bathtubs and showers
  • Set your Hot Water Heater to max temperature of 110-120 degrees Fahrenheit or lower
  • Ensure small electrical appliances are out of child’s reach, unplugged, and kept away from water

“Out of Reach” Kitchen Child Safety

  • If you kids help you cook, make sure they’re not wearing any loose flowing clothing
  • Keep appliance cords away from the sink
  • Keep a step stool by the counters for the kids to be able to reach for high shelves instead of counter hopping
  • Keep all pot handles turned inward or toward the back of the stove during cooking so they’re not easily knocked or touched
  • Any food that would attract kids is kept away from the stove top and away from knives
  • Knives and sharp objects are kept out of children’s reach or in a safe drawer
  • All cleaning supplies are stored separately from food and kept away from a child’s reach

“Lock it Up” Garage Child Safety

  • Power tools have guards and are kept out of child’s reach
  • Containers of liquids, are tightly capped and stored away from any heat or flammable device
  • Appropriate locks to doors which contain hazardous equipment and materials

“Lights Out” Bedroom Child Safety

  • At least one light switch is within the child’s reach
  • Keep electric blankets laid out after use, any type of covering or folding can trap heat and cause a fire.

“Watch Your Step” Stairway Child Safety

  • Toddler gates are used at the top and bottom of stairs.
  • Keep the stairwell well lit with lights at both the bottom and top of the floors
  • Each stairwell has a fixed handrail that runs the length of the stairwell
  • Never store anything on the stairwell as it becomes a very dangerous tripping hazard

“Be Prepared” Child Fire Safety

  • Every person knows “stop, drop and roll”
  • Ensure children know that covering themselves in a blanket suffocates the flame and helps put it out
  • When cooking with oil, water is NOT how to put out the flame. Keep baking soda close to stove to put out any type fire stemming from oil.
  • Install at least one smoke detector on each floor of the house (each checked twice yearly)
  • Store all matches and lighters away from child’s reach
  • Inspect and clean chimneys annually
  • The family has a planned emergency exit plan in the case of a fire.
  • Keep a working fire extinguisher in your house to handle small fires.

Small Child Safety

  • Keep all plants off the floor, due to the fact many plants can be poisonous if swallowed
  • Ensure there are no loose tasty paint chips which contain led if swallowed
  • All cleaners are purchased in child-resistant packaging when possible
  • Keep all doctor/poison control/ and other important numbers close to the phone
  • Small items and foods that could choke a child are kept out of reach.
  • Pocketbooks (which contain many entertaining, yet very harmful items) are kept in high places out of reach of children


Electrical Child Safety

  • Ensure all electrical cords do not run beneath furniture or rugs.
  • Do not overload extension cords or else shortages and sparks will occur
  • All outlets and switches have cover plates to protect small fingers
  • Double check that light bulbs are appropriate sizes and watts for the lamps and fixtures.

Use these Child Home Safety tips to ensure that your child is really in a home sweet safe home.