Screening Methods: All individuals who work directly with minors undergo screening, including criminal background checks and sex offender screening, prior to their participation in the program.
Education and Training: All individuals who work directly with minors are provided training on preventing abuse, recognizing the signs of abuse, appropriate response to abuse, and the mandatory reporting of abuse and misconduct.
Standards of Behavior: Ithaca College has established clear guidelines for appropriate and inappropriate touch, language, and behavior when working with minors to provide a safe and respectful environment for your child.
Reporting and Response: Ithaca College has established guidelines for the reporting of known or suspected abuse or misconduct involving minors to address concerns.
Safety Measures: Programs are required to develop safety measures to protect all participants in emergency situations, ensuring the well-being of your child.
In addition to the measures that Ithaca College has implemented, there are important things you can do as a parent or guardian to help protect your child
Talk to your child, using age-appropriate language, and be aware of the following:
Teach Boundaries: Teach your child about personal boundaries and the difference between appropriate and inappropriate touch, language, and behavior.
Teach children that they can say NO to any touch, language, or behavior that makes them feel uncomfortable.
Teach children to Identify Trusted Adults and encourage them to speak up if they ever feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
Recognize Warning Signs: Be alert for potential signs of abuse such as unexplained injury, sudden changes in behavior or mood, reluctance to be around certain people, or inappropriate knowledge or behavior for their age.
Report Abuse and Other Concerning Behavior: If your child expresses concern about behavior in their program that is harmful, abusive, or neglectful, contact the Ithaca College Office of Public Safety immediately at (607) 274-3333.