Child Safeguarding and Protection

Quality Schools International promotes the importance of applying the QSI Success Orientations as part of its Child Safety and Protection policy and procedures throughout the QSI communities at large. Abuse and neglect of minors are not only violations of children’s basic human rights, but also constitute impediments to learning and development, and adversely affect children’s physical, emotional, and social well-being. It is imperative that children are provided with a safe and secure environment in which to develop, thrive, and be successful, regardless of ethnic origins, religious beliefs, or cultural heritage. As such, it is expected that all QSI schools develop a comprehensive child safety and protection plan.

Child Protection Information

CEESA Statement and Commitments

CEESA Safeguarding and Child Protection Statement

• Safeguarding and Child Protection is a priority for every CEESA School.

• CEESA commits to supporting school environments that safeguard children through both prevention and intervention.

• CEESA works in cooperation with international agencies to ensure standards associated with best practices are regularly reviewed, revised, and applied in all operations, activities, and events.

• CEESA leaders honor and uphold child protection guidelines and procedures, in partnership with all stakeholders in their respective school communities.

All CEESA schools will:

• Actively uphold the CEESA Safeguarding and Child Protection Statement.

• Implement school-based Safeguarding and Child Protection Policies and Procedures that include regular onsite training.

• Employ safe recruitment practices consistent with Safeguarding and Child Protection Policies.

• Educate students and adults on Safeguarding and Child Protection.

Introduction Letter to the Community

Child Protection Handbook

Child Protection Team

Dr. Yaisa Banek, Director

Shel Mullennax, Secondary Teacher / TOSA

Natalia Nazaria, School Counselor

Dr. Olesea Catarau, School Doctor

Marina Capatina, Office Manager

Star Hays, Teacher Representative

Theoretical Framework

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child states that, among other tenets, children have the right to be free from abuse or exploitation. It is the intent of QSI to respect and uphold the dignity of each child as they interact with peers and adults. This is clearly echoed by the Empower: Skills for Safety, Success, and Global Citizenship Curriculum Program. This program clarifies that procedures are in place in schools and other settings to ensure we hear the voice of the child. The curriculum is an integral part of the advisory time of all QSI schools as students learn of their rights as individuals, gain knowledge and skills on self-care, and advocate for others. The six concept strands of the child protection component are:

Body Privacy;
Personal and Social Safety;
Abuse;
Trusted Network;
Self Advocacy;
Personal Rights.

As an organization, QSI is dedicated to the following beliefs about our responsibilities as adults in schools:

All children have equal rights to be protected from harm and abuse;
Everybody has a responsibility to support the protection of children;
All schools have a duty of care to children enrolled in the school and those who are affected by the operations of the school;
All actions on child protection are taken with the best interests of the child as the paramount consideration.