Scenario: Sienna - Large Brusing On Her Back

[Kara Mckerihan]

I need help with this case study please..

Sienna is 4 years old and attends her local Early Education & Care service Monday to Friday. Sienna has a younger sister who is 3 years old and stays at home with Mum, though attends the Service one day per week, Sienna also has an older brother Mitchell who is 9 years old and attends the local school. Sienna has always been an enjoyable little girl to be around, though recently Sienna has changed and started acting aggressively towards her friends. You as the Educator have advised Sienna’s family of the situation and asked if there is a reason this may be occurring. Sienna’s mother explains that her partner’s older son Matthew has come to stay with them, she continues to explain that there has been tension at home between her partner and herself as money is very tight, taking on Matthew is another big commitment that has added to the stress. Sienna’s mother did note that Matthew and Sienna love each other and get on well.
Sienna was sitting eating her morning tea when another child takes a piece of apple from her plate. Sienna yells at the child and attempts to punch him. In the commotion of the apple being grabbed a glass of water has spilled all over Sienna. You help Sienna get her bag so you can assist her to get changed into a dry set of clothes. Sienna makes it very clear that she does not want your help. You respect this though stand close by in case Sienna needs your help. As you keep a close eye on Sienna, you notice as she is getting changed some large bruising on her back just above her bottom.
a) Following policies and procedures what would be your immediate response
Answer: immediately inform supervisor/coordinator of injury

b) What are the indicators of harm?
Answer: physical abuse (large bruising on back)

c) What are the risk factors?
Answers: unsure

d) Will you make a report? Why or Why not?
Answer: Yes, someone could be harming the child

e) Will you notify the parent? Why or Why not?
Answer: yes would definetly notify the parent of the bruising on child's back as it could be the partners son

f) Explain how you will approach Sienna using a child-focused approach:
Answer: unsure
Can someone please help me, let me know if there's answers are correct or if I need to elaborate more etc???

[Lorina]

A) Your immediate response would probably write and document the bruises you saw on Siennas back. Such as where they are located, the size, the colour and shape etc. Using this as a point of evidence you could inform the director about the bruises you saw on Sienna.

B) bruises, aggression, wanting to punch a child, being angry, frustrated etc.

C)

QR_BBPOST Sienna’s mother explains that her partner’s older son Matthew has come to stay with them, she continues to explain that there has been tension at home between her partner and herself as money is very tight, taking on Matthew is another big commitment that has added to the stress.

D) I'm my opinion I wouldn't make a report right away, however I will continue to monitor the situation and how Sienna is behaving. I will add the bruises as evidence into her file and will also support Sienna by asking open ended questions to find out if there is any abuse occurring. The reason why, I'm saying this is just because there are a few bruises on the child's back there is no need to run and make a repot straight away unless there is other evidence to support claims of abuse.

E) Since an official complaint will not be made you could mention that you saw bruising on Siennas back and see what they say about it... their response could also be noted and kept on file for future reference.

F) Use opened ended question, tell her that if she needs to talk you're there to listen and help if need be, give her some alone time if she needs it...

Hope this helps!

,
Lorina

[Kara Mckerihan]

Thanks for your input in the above question Lorina

Could you also help with this
Your child attends the service you work in, and you have been placed in their room to work for the day. How do you manage this?

Answer: odviously you would go about your day as you would if your child wasn't in your class for the day and you would treat them as you would any other child.

Do you have any other suggestions for this question?

[Lorina]

Yeah it will be tough though trying to treat your own child as any other... especially if your child constantly once to be around you and they actually may feel a little jealous if they see you pay attention to other children... You would probably try and involve them in different activities throughout the day and get another educator to engage with them if possible...

,
Lorina