Sexual Abuse Prevention

Employers play a critical role in child sexual abuse prevention. By implementing proactive policies and fostering a protective environment, you help ensure the safety and well-being of every child in your care. In December 2020, legislation came into effect requiring the College to create a sexual abuse prevention program that includes proactive measures for prevention and dealing with sexual abuse. The requirement was groundbreaking in that it was the first time such a requirement had been applied to non-health professionals.

Employers are an important part of this commitment, supporting the creation of safe, accountable and protective environments and upholding the highest standards of trust with families and the community by:

understanding the mandatory Sexual Abuse Prevention Program educational requirement for RECEs;
supporting all staff with sexual abuse prevention education through ongoing discussion and learning;
ensuring policies are in place to promote prevention; and
fulfilling mandatory reporting duties when there are suspicions or concerns around sexual abuse.

Sexual Abuse Prevention Program for RECEs

A component of the College’s Continuous Professional Learning (CPL) Program, the Sexual Abuse Prevention Program is an educational requirement that all members must complete in their first year of membership. The program empowers RECEs to build on the skills and knowledge they already have in this area and provides an opportunity to reinforce the position of trust they have with families in terms of child protection.

Sexual Abuse Prevention for All Staff

Although only RECEs have access to the College’s Sexual Abuse Prevention Program, providing training to other staff is essential in creating workplace environments that promote the safety and well-being of children in your care.

Prevention training is available through organizations such as the Canadian Centre for Child Protection (C3P), a national charity dedicated to the safety of children. In addition, resources developed by the College can also be used for all staff learning on prevention.

Supporting Educators

Trauma-informed approach to education

Although the program is designed with a focus on prevention, engaging with its content can be distressing to RECEs. For some, it can be particularly difficult due to lived experience(s).

As an employer, you’re in a position to guide RECEs in your organization and support them as they complete the prevention program.

Supporting resources have been designed and developed for you and RECEs:

Trauma-informed care workshop for employers: The College offers an optional workshop for employers that focuses on providing ways you may support RECEs in your setting with completing the prevention program, as well as supporting you, in understanding reactions that you or others might have when engaging with the content.

Here are some highlights from the workshop. You can access the presentation slides here.

Invitations are sent via e-mail when new dates are available.

Caring for self and others: This resource provides RECEs with information about how to prepare and care for themselves, and possibly other members, before and during engagement with the program content.

Ways to support RECEs

You can support by:

learning about the program and understanding its requirements;
providing opportunities for discussion;
sharing resources (see below); and
offering time for new RECEs to complete the mandatory educational program.

Reporting Suspicions or Concerns Around Sexual Abuse

Employers and RECEs have an immediate duty to report to a Children’s Aid Society (CAS) if they have reasonable grounds to suspect that a child has been harmed or is at risk of harm or injury under the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017 (CYFSA).

Employers can be held liable under the CYFSA for failing to report or preventing and/or discouraging an employee from reporting to CAS.

In addition to contacting CAS, if the concern relates to an RECE, employers are required by law (Early Childhood Educators Act, 2007) to submit a report to the College of Early Childhood Educators.

A report to the College is also required if an employer becomes aware that a RECE who is a current or former employee is charged or convicted of a sexual offense with minors.

As an employer, your report ensures the College is alerted when there is a concern with an RECE’s conduct or practice.

To submit a report, employers can complete the Mandatory Employer Report on the College’s website.

Learn more about:

Resources and Articles

We encourage employers to take the time to learn more about the Sexual Abuse Prevention Program and support your staff in their learning.

Resources from the College

Introducing the Sexual Abuse Prevention Program
Highlights from Trauma Informed-Care Workshop for Employers
Reminders on the Sexual Abuse Prevention Program
Sexual Abuse Prevention Program: How can you support RECEs?
Guide to Access the Sexual Abuse Prevention Program (video) – To help RECEs in accessing the prevention program, the College has developed a short video guide.

Resources from External Sources

Questions?

Visit our FAQs or contact us if you’re looking for additional information.