Issues of Abuse and Neglect | Weatherford College

Co-Requisites and Pre-Requisites: Passage of background check is required for this course.

Topics address recently identified current events, skills, knowledge, and/or attitudes and behaviors pertinent to the technology or occupation and relevant to the professional development of the student. This course was designed to be repeated multiple times to improve student proficiency. Course focuses on the causes and symptoms of abusive behavior. Emphasis is placed on developing skills and competencies for working with the abused child and families to help alleviate abusive experiences.

Course Learning Objectives

1. Defining and identifying neglect and [emotional, physical, and sexual] abuse for the classroom environment.
2. Research and comprehend current Texas state law related to mandated reporting, defining child abuse and neglect, sexual assault and the social service delivery system.
3. Identification of quality and problematic family lifestyles.
4. Demonstrate an increased understanding of the effect of abuse, domestic violence and substance use/abuse/addiction on the well-being of children and adolescents.
5. Address specific issues of childhood and adolescence that correlate to child abuse and neglect: learning difficulties and behavior problems.
6. Assist the abused child through mandated reporting, curriculum development, and problem-solving skills.

Lab Fee

None

Required Textbooks

Crosson-Tower, C. (2019). Understanding child abuse and neglect (10th ed.). Pearson.

NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children). 2022. Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs Serving Children from Birth Through Age 8. 4th ed. Washington, DC: NAEYC.

Evaluation Standards

Grades will be taken at the discretion of the instructor. Semester grades are based on the following:

Attendance/Participation/Discussions 25%

Assignments 35%

Projects & Assessments 40%

At the end of the semester, you will receive a letter grade based on the following averages:

A = 90 – 100%

B = 80 – 89%

C = 70 – 79%

D = 60 – 69%

F = 0 – 59%

Disabilities

ADA Statement:

Any student with a documented disability (e.g. learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) may contact the Office on the Weatherford College Weatherford Campus to request reasonable accommodations. Phone: 817-598-6350 Office Location: Office Number 118 in the Student Services Building, upper floor. Physical Address: Weatherford College 225 College Park Drive Weatherford, TX.

Academic Integrity

Academic Integrity is fundamental to the educational mission of Weatherford College, and the College expects its students to maintain high standards of personal and scholarly conduct. Academic dishonesty of any kind will not be tolerated. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating on an examination or other academic work, plagiarism, collusion, and the abuse of resource materials including unauthorized use of Generative AI. Departments may adopt discipline specific guidelines on Generative AI usage approved by the instructional dean. Any student who is demonstrated to have engaged in any of these activities will be subject to immediate disciplinary action in accordance with institutional procedures.

Hope Statement

Any student who faces challenges securing basic resources such as food, clothing, or housing and believes this may affect their performance in their course of study is urged to contact the Director of Student Resources, Dr. Deborah Cregger, for support at (817) 598-6444. Her office is on the first floor of Student Services. If the student prefers, they may contact their instructor, who can reach out on their behalf. Weatherford College also provides the Coyote Pantry. The Pantry maintains boxed and canned foods for students in need. The location of the Coyote Pantry is two blocks west of the Weatherford campus at the Baptist Student Ministry (118 E. Park Ave., Weatherford). Pantry hours are Mon-Thurs. 8:30 am-4:30 pm and Fri. 8.30 am-12:00 pm (817-599-6586).