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About the Monterey County Rape Center's Child Abuse Prevention Programs

The Maxine Waters Act of 1984 mandates Child Abuse Prevention Education for public school children at four points in their school careers. Since 1985 the Monterey County Rape Crisis Center has been providing free classes in all public schools from Castroville/ Prunedale area to Big Sur. We also provide services to private schools and charter schools, local churches, group homes, and summer camps. We reach approximately 10,000 students a year and serve roughly 60 schools in all Monterey County

Child abuse prevention classes are typically presented to kindergarten, 3rd, 6th grade students. Presentations provide information about child safety, and abuse that is presented in age appropriate language.

Funding for the child abuse prevention program is provided by grants from private foundations and through individual donations from people like you. We can be contacted at 831-373-3955 or 831-771- 0411, if you would like to know more about our services.

Kindergarten

The Kindergarten program is a Child Abuse Prevention Program presented from the safety rules perspective. We call it “The Child Safety Workshop.” The presentation consists of two classes on consecutive days for 30 minutes on the first day, and 40 minutes on the second day, using language that is age appropriate. The concepts addressed in the workshop are personal safety rules, good touches, bad touches, unwanted touches, private body parts, stranger awareness, a discussion of who trusted adults are, and how and when to use the three personal safety steps. After the two-day workshop, a short video is shown about a boy who learns the three safety rules. In addition to receiving child abuse prevention information, we hope students will learn how to assess a situation and speak up for themselves in any circumstance that makes them feel uncomfortable. Children are taught to be careful around people they do not know well or people with whom they feel uncomfortable.

For more information, please see Parent’s Packet - Child Safety Workshop click here

Third Grade

The third grade program is very similar to the kindergarten program in that the same safety rules are discussed, however the rules are discussed in depth for a clear understanding and application in real life situations. This program is presented in one day for approximately 50 to 60 minutes and includes a video that addresses how to be assertive, communicating with parents if inappropriate touching occurs, secrets, and safety rules and if time allows a brief discussion about internet safety. Afterwards students have a chance to ask questions or to speak with the presenter privately.

For more information, please see Parent’s Packet - Child Safety Workshop click here

Sixth Grade

The 6th grade Child Safety Workshop takes a direct approach to Child Abuse prevention. This frank discussion is about the four basic types of child abuse, Emotional Abuse, Neglect, Physical Abuse, and Sexual Abuse. The same safety rules as in kindergarten and third grade are reviewed, and particular attention is paid to Internet Safety and text messaging. Other safety issues discussed are social touching; how to greet a parent’s friend or relative when the child does not want to be touched, communicating with parents about any difficult issue, and how to be assertive, Assertiveness is valuable to protect oneself from danger and to deal with harassment by others. Students watch a 10 minute video in which children discuss the effects of abuse on them. After the video, students have a chance to ask questions and speak with the presenter privately, if they wish.

For further information,
contact your student's school or call one of our offices:

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