I certify the following:
- I am aware that abuse and neglect of children is against the law.
- I have been informed of the GCCARD Head Start policies on child abuse and neglect.
- I understand that, as an intern/volunteer, I am mandated by law to report abuse and neglect of children to Child Protective Services at the Michigan Department of Human Services within 24 hours.
By signing this statement, I give permission to GCCARD Head Start to complete a background check on me through the Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry in compliance with Child Licensing Regulations regarding supervised volunteers. I understand that any individual registered on the public sex offender registry will be prohibited from having contact with any child in care.
1. I will ensure the use of positive strategies to support children’s well being and prevent and address challenging behavior by:
• Using methods of discipline which encourage self-control, self-direction, self-esteem and cooperation.
• Developing clear, reasonable, consistent, and age-appropriate rules and expectations for children and, to the extent possible, engage children themselves in the rule-setting process;
• Working with children to help them solve problems, instead of imposing solutions;
• Reducing the potential need for discipline by anticipating and eliminating sources of trouble whenever possible; and
• Respecting and acknowledging children’s feelings.
2. I will ensure that I will not engage in behaviors that maltreat or endanger the health and safety of children, including, at a minimum, the following:
• Corporal punishment or physically abusive behavior, defined as intentional use of physical force that results in, or has the potential to result in physical injury. Examples include, but are not limited to, hitting, kicking, shaking, biting, pushing, restraining, force feeding or dragging;
• Sexually abusive behavior, defined as any completed or attempted sexual act, sexual contact, or exploitation. Examples include, but are not limited to, behaviors such as inappropriate touching, inappropriate filming, or exposing a child to other sexual activities;
• Emotionally harmful or abusive behavior, defined as behaviors that harm a child’s self-worth or emotional well-being. Examples include, but are not limited to, using seclusion, using or exposing a child to public or private humiliation, or name calling, shaming, intimidating, or threatening a child; and
• Neglectful behavior, defined as the failure to meet a child’s basic physical and emotional needs including access to food, education, medical care, appropriate supervision by an adequate caregiver, and safe physical and emotional environments. Examples include, but are not limited to, leaving a child unattended on a bus, withholding food as a punishment or refusing to change soiled diapers as a punishment;
3. I will report reasonably suspected or known incidents of child abuse and neglect, as defined by the Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) (42 U.S.C. 5101 note) and in compliance with Federal, State, local and Tribal laws;
4. I will respect and promote the unique identity of each individual and do not stereotype on any basis including gender, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or family composition. To ensure each individual of all races, religions, family backgrounds and cultures are treated with respect and consideration, I will:
• Provide both boys and girls with equal opportunities to participate in all activities; and
• Provide books, toys, music, activities, and decorations that reflect the diversity of all children.
5. I will comply with program confidentiality policies concerning personally identifiable information about children, families, and other staff members in accordance with Head Start regulations and applicable Federal, State, local, and Tribal laws as follows:
• I will never reveal the identity of clients at Head Start or any confidential information regarding current or past Head Start families.
• I will never take records that do not belong to me home.
• I will keep any and all information confidential even after I stop volunteering for GCCARD Head Start.
• I will make sure confidential information is only seen by and discussed with staff members who can demonstrate a need for the information in order to perform their jobs.
• I am aware that internal confidential communication between staff, whether verbal or in writing, will be limited to only those staff that are immediately and directly involved in the matter. No other staff member shall have access to any of this information.
• I am aware that my clearance records will not be disclosed to any outside agency or to anyone in Head Start that is not involved in my direct supervision, without my written consent.
• I am aware that I have a right to request, in writing, that I want to examine my clearance on file and that I have a right to respond to it.
• Further, I understand that a breach in confidentiality constitutes grounds for immediate dismissal from Head Start. I have had an opportunity to discuss confidentiality with my assigned Head Start Staff and understand that I may ask further questions as they arise.
6. I will ensure that the children under my care will not be left alone or unsupervised.
• I am aware that a minimum of two (2) adults, one of whom is a caregiver, shall be present any time in the center and during outdoor activities and field trips when seven (7) or more children are present.
• I am aware that at least one center staff person shall remain at the center until all children have gone home.
• I am aware that a center staff person shall be present when children arrive at the center.
7. I understand that Head Start staff will not solicit or receive personal gratuities, favors, or anything of significant monetary value for themselves from their clients, contractors or potential contractors.
• This means I will notify GCCARD Head Start Administration if any GCCARD Head Start Staff were to solicit, invite, coerce, suggest, or in any manner imply that a fee, gift or gratuity could be consideration for services, eligibility, treatment, care, priority or any program activity, benefit or service.
Note: By stating or re-stating these standards of conduct, I understand that the staff that I will work with and myself (as a volunteer) are not exempt from following all other standards, policies and procedures outlined in the Personnel Manual and the Head Start Rules, Regulation and Performance Standards.
I understand that if I am not adhering to these and other stated policies, I will be subject to discipline, including dismissal.