Child Abuse & Neglect
ECELS Mandated Reporter Training is Unavailable
NOTICE: ECELS Child Abuse and Neglect (Mandated Reporter) training module is no longer available as of August 2025.
Mandated Reporter Training Options:
iLookOut - Read more about this training here. This is a high quality training specific to child care for PA requirements.Link to register for the iLookOut Core Training
PA Family Support Alliance offers free training, see what is available here
View the DHS website list of trainings (April 2025)
Child Welfare Information Gateway
The Child Welfare Information Gateway is your connection to trusted resources on the child welfare continuum. They provide publications, research, and learning tools selected by experts to support thriving children, youth, families, and communities.
"Download and share over 200 free publications vetted by the Children’s Bureau, including more than 50 Spanish-language products. Our library is among the Nation’s most extensive collection of child welfare-related resources, and you can browse a wide range of topics."
Looking Out for Kids: Preventing Sexual Abuse
Everyone plays a role in protecting children and this is especially true in the prevention of child sexual abuse. Review this PDF (English) about how you can make a difference from https://preventchildabuse.org/
Help for Parents
Since 1959, Childhelp has saved and transformed the lives of more than 13 million children. Childhelp exists to meet the physical, emotional, educational and spiritual needs of abused, neglected and at-risk children.
This "help" handout from Childhelp.org has just enough helpful tips and suggestions to assure parents that they are not the only one seeking answers. It also provides guidance for those who are concerned about the health and safety of other children. Share this one-page PDF (English) / PDF (Spanish) resource with families.
Childhelp aims not only to address the immediate consequences of child abuse, but also to create a foundation for long-term healing and prevention. By breaking the cycle of abuse, Childhelp strives to empower children and families to lead healthier, more secure lives.
All About Crying
Infant crying can be a trigger for child abuse.
This PA Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics handout in English and Spanish lists tips to help calm a crying baby. It has been widely distributed to parents of newborns through hospitals, family and pediatric practices, the PA Shaken Baby Syndrome Prevention Program and organizations that work with high risk populations. View the resources here from the PA AAP SCAN Program.
Mandated Reporter (Child Abuse) Training Required by State / NO Cost
Using iLookOut’s online, interactive, story-based training –which you can complete on your smartphone, tablet, or computer.
The iLookOut program has 2 parts:
Mandated Reporter Training: interactive video-based storyline (3 hours total)
Advanced Training: 5-12-minute animated micro-learning exercises (3 hours total)
By completing both iLookOut Trainings and the follow-up quiz you will:
Satisfy Act 31 mandated reporter training requirements (as well as Act 126 requirements for Pennsylvania teachers)
Receive 6 hours of early childhood Professional Development credit from the PA Key (free of charge)
Receive a $15 gift card to thank you
Learn more about supporting at-risk children and their families
Help us determine the most effective way to prepare mandated reporters
Please know that you are able to participate in this study even if you have previously completed iLookOut or another mandated reporter training.
Please share this training opportunity with other early childhood providers.
If you have any questions, you can contact the iLookOut team at 717-531-4552 or ilookout@pennstatehealth.psu.edu
This opportunity is provided by the Penn State College of Medicine and the iLookOut research team. It is part of a study to better understand how to prepare adults to protect at-risk children and support them and their families. To learn more about this research, click on iLookOutProject.org.
ECELS Documents: Child Abuse & Neglect (Mandated Reporter)
Documents, forms and organizations with reliable information about child abuse and neglect, as well as proven approaches to prevent and manage child maltreatment.
From ECELS Child Abuse & Neglect Training:
Child Abuse Glossary (PDF) - Aug 2021
Child Abuse Document Packet (PDF) - Oct 2020
8-Steps to Take for Reporting Suspected Child Abuse or Neglect (PDF) - Oct 2020