TEDI BEAR offers a variety of training programs. For information on discipline-specific training opportunities for physicians, child life specialists, and other professionals, please go to our Services Page.
Among our most popular training programs for both professionals and non-professionals is Stewards of Children, a 2.5-hour course in how to prevent, recognize, and respond to child sexual abuse. Stewards of Children is appropriate for any adult who works with children, or who wants to know communities can do to address this devastating problem, or who simply wants to help their family be safer. This training program was designed by the Darkness to Light Foundation, and is widely considered to be one of the best programs of its kind.
Many people who participate in Stewards of Children are surprised to learn of the extent of child sexual abuse: One of every four girls and one of every six boys is sexually abused by their eighteenth birthdays. And although the problem is complex, many of the things we can do to address it are fairly simple. People who participate in Stewards of Children training learn:
- How to help kids be safer at school, and at other places where their parents might not be present.
- What to teach our children in order to make them "hard targets" for potential abusers.
- How to recognize the physical and behavioral signs of possible abuse.
- How to respond if a child discloses sexual abuse.
- Laws about reporting child abuse, and the legal protections provided to people who are willing to step up and speak out.
TEDI BEAR regularly offers Stewards of Children training at Sheppard Memorial Library in Greenville. There is no charge, and any adult may attend. Click here to see the schedule of upcoming sessions, and to reserve your place.
TEDI BEAR also provides Stewards of Children training for churches, schools, college courses, sports programs, clubs, and other organizations that care about kids. Training can be done practically anytime and anywhere, and it is absolutely free. Please contact Community Educators Kelly Baxter or Kevin Krisher at 252-744-8334 to learn more about scheduling Stewards of Children for your organization.
Professionals who participate in Stewards of Children get a bonus: The training has been approved for continuing education credit for nurses, social workers, therapists, childcare center employees, and sheriff's department staff.
The video below offers more information about Stewards of Children from TEDI BEAR's Community Educator Kelly Baxter. For more videos, please visit our Video Page.
