NSU University School Faculty, Staff and Employee Handbook

75 After a report has been made, reporters must notify their supervisor principal or the child abuse designee to ensure appropriate support. If there are any questions related to child abuse, abandonment, neglect or a child in need of supervision and care, the school employee shall consult with the school-based child abuse designee.  Florida law provides penalties: “A person who is required to report known or suspected child abuse, abandonment, or neglect and who knowingly and willfully fails to do so, or who knowingly and willfully prevents another person from doing so, is guilty of a third degree felony F.S. 39.205(1) Authority: F.S. 1001.41 (1) (2); F.S. 39. 201, 205(1); F.S. 39.01(46) Training of new employees in the area of abuse risk management will be provided by the NSU University School’s administration (Directors), Associate Directors, guidance counselor, or other designee and/or a representative from Nova Southeastern University within 30 days of hire. An annual and renewal training for all staff on abuse risk management is provided prior to the start of school each year. Through the Child Care Licensing Training, NSU University School provides the staff with workshops to monitor child-to-child interactions, to notice warning signs that a child is being abused, patterns and types of child-to-child abuse, and how to respond if they discover any abuse or neglect. Staff is also provided with a plan of action following incidents of child-to-child abuse. Through group sessions, led by the school guidance counselor, the NSU University School provides children with information and strategies on protecting themselves from abusers. During these sessions, the children are informed on whom to tell if and when such abuse occurs. The NSU University School prohibits both staff and children from engaging in any form of hazing, bullying, derogatory name-calling, games of truth or dare, singling out one child for differential treatment and ridicule or humiliation. Any interaction of this kind will be addressed and dealt with by the proper authorities. POLICY FOR WHEN AN EMPLOYEE IS ALONE WITH A STUDENT NSU University School expects its employees to maintain behaviors commensurate with the teacher Code of Ethics. There are times, however, when a teacher or staff member may be working with one child at a time. The following policies are to be applied: 1. remain within eye and ear contact with others; keep doors and window blinds open at all times; work in a position that can be easily observed by others passing by; 2. inform colleagues and administrators that you are alone with a child/student; 3. avoid any type of physical interaction; avoid hugging as a means of showing approval or affection – limit praise to words, handshakes or high-fives