Child Maltreatment
All educators shall obtain, within twelve (12) months of initial licensure and within twelve (12) months of any subsequent renewal of a license, up to two (2) hours of training in:
- Recognizing the signs and symptoms of child maltreatment;
- The legal requirements of the Child Maltreatment Act, Ark. Code Ann § 12-18-101 et seq., and the duties of mandated reporters under the Act;
- Methods of managing disclosures regarding child victims; and
- Methods for connecting a victim of child maltreatment to appropriate in-school services and other agencies, programs, and services needed to provide the child with the emotional and educational support the child needs to continue to be successful in school.
Schools, districts, cooperatives, and approved PD providers may offer these professional learning opportunities. Licensed educators may also access these courses in the Library: Health and Wellness on Arkansas IDEAS.
IDEAS: Act 1236 of 2011: Child Maltreatment - This course meets the requirements of Act 1236 of 2011. This course features Sherry Williamson from the Arkansas Commission on Child Abuse, Rape and Domestic Violence. Williamson explains the requirements of the Child Maltreatment Act. She discusses the physical and behavioral indicators of physical abuse, neglect, and sexual abuse. Sherry also provides tips for legally mandated reporting and suggestions for managing disclosures from children. CID 1001749