April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month; No-Cost Mandated Reporter Training

National Child Abuse Prevention Month is observed every April to raise awareness about child abuse and neglect. This month serves to educate the public on the various forms of child abuse and the importance of early intervention. One method of the prevention of child abuse is the education and training of mandated reporters.

Early childhood educators and staff can meet state-required Mandated Reporter Training requirements at no cost using iLookOut’s online, interactive, story-based training, which can be completed on a smartphone, tablet, or computer.

The iLookOut program has two parts:

1. Mandated Reporter Training: interactive video-based storyline (3 hours total)
2. Advanced Training: 5-12-minute animated micro-learning exercises (3 hours total)

By completing both iLookOut Trainings and the follow-up quiz, participants will:

• Satisfy Act 31 mandated reporter training requirements (as well as Act 126 requirements for Pennsylvania teachers)
• Receive 6 hours of early childhood Professional Development credit (free of charge)
• Receive a $15 gift card to thank you
• Learn more about supporting at-risk children and their families
• Help determine the most effective way to prepare mandated reporters

Unlike other mandated reporter trainings, iLookOut:

• Has been shown in published research to improve knowledge and change attitudes about child abuse and its reporting
• Uses a video-based storyline and gamification
• Is the mandated reporter training used by Head Start programs nationwide

To complete the training and participate, click on iLookOutPA.org. You can participate in this study even if you have previously completed iLookOut or another mandated reporter training.

Share this training opportunity with other early childhood providers. View flyer. Questions? Contact the iLookOut team at 717-531-4552 or ilookout@pennstatehealth.psu.edu

This opportunity is provided by the Penn State College of Medicine and the iLookOut research team. It is part of a study to understand better how to prepare adults to protect at-risk children and support them and their families. To learn more about this research, visit iLookOutProject.org.