Handout 7:
Working on Professional Responsibilities

Instructions
Choose one area of professional responsibility, described on handout 1, that you would like to explore. As homework, complete the assignment described below for the area you selected

• Confidentiality

  Obtain a copy of your program policy on confidentiality, read it, and be prepared to discuss the policy with your coach. Next, select one family situation where you are struggling with confidentiality. Develop a plan for protecting the family's confidentiality while at the same time ensuring that the family gets the needed services. Ask the coach to help you apply the program's policy on confidentiality to this family situation.

• Roles and Boundaries

  List the many roles that you must assume in your work with families. Use the list to think about times when maintaining appropriate limits with a family has been challenging for you. Then, interview one or two experienced Head Start staff to find out how they handle similar situations. Develop a plan for handling the challenge, if it surfaces again. Discuss the plan with your coach.

• Mandatory Reporting

  Obtain a copy of your program's policy on reporting suspected child abuse and neglect. Read the policy and be prepared to discuss with the coach the following issues: Are all Head Start staff mandated reporters? How do staff make the reports? What kinds of information should staff share with the designated child protection agency? Should staff tell the family about the report? What happens when a report is made? What program and community resources are available to support staff in their role as mandated reporters?

• Record-Keeping

  Randomly choose ten of your files. Check to see whether these files are consistent with the suggestions listed on handout 3. Note all inconsistencies. List five ways to improve your record keeping skills. Go over your ideas with your coach.

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