Preschool CAP
…building a foundation of safety to last a lifetime.
What do people say about Preschool CAP?
“As a result of the workshop, I’ve noticed less aggression from my classroom because children are more likely to speak up for themselves.”
Teacher, Bowman’s State Preschool Hayward, California
“I feel very fortunate to have such an effective way of conveying this
very important information to my young children.”
Parent of a four year old Lima, Ohio
“By talking to the children about their rights we have decreased bullying and other forms of peer aggression.”
Administrator - River Mist Preschool Durango, Colorado
“I’m so glad that someone is finally thinking of young children and
confronting problems of violence before the damage becomes overwhelming.”
Preschool Teacher - Newark, New Jersey
Program Goals
…emphasizes self esteem, self assertion, peer support, and the empowerment of young children.
Why are young children vulnerable ?
- Lack of language skills – young children may not be able to communicate their victimization.
- Limited life experience – the younger the child is, the less experience he/she has to know whether a situation is dangerous or a person can be trusted.
- Isolation – young children’s complete dependency on adults lessens their chances to get help if they are being abused in the home.
- Lack of credibility in an adult world – many children’s disclosures of abuse are discounted as fantasy.
What is the magnitude of the problem?
- 1 out 4 girls and 1 out of 5-7 boys will be abused by the time they are 18 years old.
- Almost 40% of all children (birth – 18yrs) abused are under the age of 5.
- The estimated average age that incest begins is 4 – 6 years
The CAP Method: “Prevention Education”
Child assault prevention education reduces children’s vulnerability to assault through the following techniques:
- It gives age appropriate information
- It empowers children to use options
- It reduces young children’s isolation
Children’s workshops provide information on peer, stranger and known adult assault in an age appropriate and non- threatening way by the use of roleplays, songs, pictures and life size dolls.
What is the content of Preschool CAP?
The Preschool CAP program has a three pronged approach to prevention by training the child care staff, parents and children .
- Teacher/Staff Inservice – includes an overview of assault, identification of abused preschoolers, crisis intervention techniques and reporting information.
- Parent Training – includes tools to empower children to prevent abuse, positive parenting and communication tips and community resources.
- Children’s Workshops – consists of three sessions, 20 minutes per day which train children (3-5 years old) to recognize and effectively deal with potentially dangerous situations.
Preschool CAP helps young children be more assertive by teaching them that they have rights and that they need to respect the rights of others.