Employee Code of Ethics

All employees and agents of PCA have an affirmative responsibility to report any known or suspected cases of child abuse, abandonment, or neglect. All staff members are required to understand and comply with applicable requirements for reporting suspected child abuse. Staff members will receive training on these responsibilities through the Ethics in Education training provided during Orientation Week.

Preschool staff are also required to review the child-care documents regarding child abuse maintained in the Registrar’s Office and are required by law to report suspected cases of child abuse.

Reports of suspected child abuse, abandonment, or neglect should be made immediately to the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873) or through the Florida Department of Children and Families’ online reporting system. Florida law requires individuals who know or have reasonable cause to suspect that a child has been abused, abandoned, or neglected to report that information to the appropriate authorities.

School personnel should not delay or withhold a legally required report while seeking administrative approval. When a staff member has reasonable cause to suspect abuse, abandonment, or neglect, the report should be made in accordance with Florida law. Staff should provide information based on their firsthand observations and knowledge and should document the concern according to PCA procedures.

Possible indicators of physical abuse may include unexplained bruises, welts, cuts, burns, broken bones, or other injuries. A child experiencing physical abuse may appear withdrawn or depressed, express fear about going home, run away, avoid physical contact, display aggressive behavior, or wear clothing that is inappropriate for the weather or situation in an effort to conceal injuries.

Possible indicators of sexual abuse may include torn, stained, or bloody undergarments; difficulty walking or sitting; pain or itching in the genital area; or a sexually transmitted infection. A child experiencing sexual abuse may demonstrate unusually advanced knowledge of sexual behavior, engage in sexually inappropriate or suggestive behavior, express fear of a particular person, appear withdrawn or depressed, experience sudden weight gain or loss, avoid physical contact, or run away from home.

Possible indicators of neglect may include unmet medical needs, inadequate supervision, poor hygiene, or being noticeably underweight. A child experiencing neglect may frequently appear tired or hungry, take or hide food, or demonstrate an unusually strong need for adult attention.

Serious abuse may involve multiple physical, emotional, or behavioral indicators. While one individual sign may not necessarily establish abuse, a pattern of concerning signs or behaviors should be taken seriously and reported when there is reasonable cause to suspect abuse, abandonment, or neglect.

PCA recognizes that preventing, identifying, responding to, and reporting Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma (SBS/AHT) are essential components of protecting children, supporting healthy development, providing quality care, and educating families.

SBS/AHT is a form of physical child abuse that can occur when an infant or young child is violently shaken or experiences significant trauma to the head. Even a brief period of shaking can cause serious injury or death.

Staff should be alert for possible signs of abusive head trauma, including unusual irritability or high-pitched crying; difficulty remaining awake, extreme lethargy, or loss of consciousness; difficulty breathing; inability to lift or control the head; seizures; loss of appetite; vomiting; unexplained bruising; difficulty feeding or sucking; reduced smiling or vocalization; difficulty tracking objects with the eyes; or decreased muscle tone. Bruising may occur on areas such as the upper arms, rib cage, or head as a result of gripping or impact.

If SBS/AHT is suspected, staff must immediately notify the appropriate administrator and call 911 when emergency medical assistance is needed. Suspected child abuse must also be reported in accordance with Florida law.

Preschool staff should first determine whether a child has a physical need, such as hunger, fatigue, illness, or a need for a diaper change. If no physical need is identified, staff may use appropriate calming strategies, including:

• Rocking or gently holding the child.
• Walking with the child while providing reassurance.
• Holding the child close while gently bending the knees.
• Singing or speaking in a calm, soothing voice.
• Gently stroking the child’s back, chest, or stomach.
• Offering a pacifier when appropriate.
• Redirecting the child’s attention with a toy or activity.
• Playing soft music or other appropriate white noise.
• Asking another qualified caregiver to assist when the staff member needs a brief break.

Under no circumstances may staff shake or jerk a child, toss a child into the air, throw or place a child forcefully into a crib or chair, or push a child into a wall, door, furniture, or other object.

Under Florida Statute 39.203, a person, official, or institution acting in good faith in an action authorized or required by law, or making a good-faith report of child abuse, abandonment, or neglect to the Department of Children and Families or a law enforcement agency, is protected from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise arise from that action.

Under Florida Statute 768.095, an employer that provides information about a current or former employee to a prospective employer at the request of the prospective employer or the current or former employee is generally protected from civil liability for that disclosure or its consequences, unless clear and convincing evidence establishes that the information was knowingly false or violated a civil right protected under Chapter 760, Florida Statutes.