Common Questions
Assemblies have been proven to be ineffective in teaching students. We want your students to retain this life saving information and because of this our curriculum is classroom based. It also provides a more intimate setting where students can, not only focus, but feel comfortable asking questions and having a discussion with you.
Yes, you do have to follow the script. The scripts ensure that all students receive the same information and allow us to measure progress. While we require you to follow the scripts, we encourage you to be personal. Following a script doesn’t mean that you need to be a robot. Children are more likely to speak to you if they feel like they know you.
No, shortening the presentation compromises the integrity of our curriculum. You will need to work together with teachers and administrators to schedule presentations and ensure that you have the full time needed to teach.
Yes, our presentations teach about sexual abuse and in our state when sexual abuse is involved you must inform parents. One of the best ways to do this is to send out opt out forms that tell parents what is being discussed and why. You can also invite parents to sit in on the presentations so that they see first hand what happens in the presentations.
When or if this happens, politely correct the teacher and continue with the lesson. We have had teachers say “Ew” before in lessons, and have found that the best thing to do is to address the comment directly and use it as an opportunity to educate everyone in the classroom.
Depending on the comment you may want to say something like, “I would love to talk about that after class”. Don’t make the student feel like they are in trouble as this can keep them from disclosing later on. Try to keep tabs on the student throughout the rest of the presentation. At the end of the presentation ask the child to join you where you can ask privately about the comment. Use open ended questions such as, “What did you mean by_____” or “Could you tell me more about _______”. Sometimes it will be nothing, other times it might be something, you never know so make sure to ask, just in case.
When this happens, tell students, “I appreciate you sharing that, let’s talk more after class”. Oftentimes you will find that the students are disclosing something that has happened in the past that has been dealt with and resolved, you might also be aware of what they are referring to, but it is always good to check in just in case.
You can check out our handout for age-appropriate sexual behavior here. Depending on the specifics you might need to intervene. No matter what happens you can always call in to DCFS to make sure that what’s happening is accounted for.
You can report child abuse to the statewide child abuse hotline at 1-855-323-3237. You will need to have the child’s name, location, age, household members and the disclosure or suspicion of abuse on hand. You must report the abuse yourself if it is disclosed directly to you. You cannot tell the administration about it and then have them report. You should still inform the teacher and administration that the report has been made so that they can offer that child additional support as needed.
If you have any concerns about the curriculum please contact us as soon as possible! You may call our office at (801) 393-3366, email our Education Program Administrator Emily Sparks at esparks@pcautah.org or submit a question in the box provided below. We would love to hear from you!