Morris was speaking at a professional development day organized by the Early Childhood Development Unit as part of Child Month 2012.
Apart from emphasizing zero tolerance of violence against children in the day care setting, Mrs. Morris told the early childhood workers present that it was also their responsibility to observe children’s behaviour and physical appearances for signs of abuse perpetrated away from school.
“Children need someone to trust,” said Mrs. Morris “someone who is looking out for them to ensure that they are not being taken advantage of. Who better than you,” she added.
She urged day care workers to give children the comfort they need in order to feel welcome to share their hurts even at this young stage.
She added that it was very important that persons explore the information given them by children in relation to their abusers. Apart from observation, reporting perceived abuses was also cited as a priority.
Child Month climaxes with a Parade on Friday 29th June.