This November, we were honored to pilot Child Safety Matters+, an exciting new prevention education curriculum designed for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). The program was delivered to students in grades K-5 at two schools in Rochester, NY, with invaluable support from our partner, the Child Advocacy Center of Greater Rochester (CACGROC).
Building upon the foundation of our evidence-based MBF Child Safety Matters® program, Child Safety Matters+ was developed to educate and empower children with I/DD with critical knowledge and practical strategies to prevent, recognize, and respond to bullying, cyberbullying, abuse, and digital dangers.
Why Child Safety Matters+?
Children with I/DD face unique challenges and are at an increased risk of abuse and victimization. However, prevention education specifically tailored to their needs has been limited. Child Safety Matters+ aims to fill this gap by providing developmentally appropriate, engaging lessons that foster empowerment and self-advocacy in a safe and supportive environment.
Highlights of the Pilot Program
The November pilot marked a significant step toward creating safer communities for children with I/DD. Here are some of the key features of the program:
- Comprehensive Safety Education: The curriculum covered topics like recognizing unsafe situations, setting boundaries, and seeking help when faced with bullying, abuse, or online risks.
- Interactive Learning: Activities included practicing recognizing unsafe situations, visual aids, and opportunities to move and manipulative materials tailored to meet the diverse learning needs of students with I/DD.
- Trauma-Informed Approach: The partnership with the Child Advocacy Center of Greater Rochester ensured the program was delivered in a way that prioritized students’ emotional well-being.
- Teacher Involvement: Facilitators trained in special education from the Child Advocacy Center of Greater Rochester taught the lessons with the assistance of classroom teachers and support staff.
The Impact
Feedback from educators, caregivers, and students was overwhelmingly positive. Teachers noted the curriculum’s ability to engage students meaningfully and its effectiveness in building awareness and confidence.
One teacher shared, “I love this curriculum! It seems much more beneficial and a better fit for students in self-contained classrooms.”
Looking Ahead
The success of the Child Safety Matters+ pilot reaffirms the importance of prevention education for children with I/DD. We are now analyzing feedback from the pilot to refine the curriculum further. Our ultimate goal is to expand Child Safety Matters+ to schools nationwide, ensuring that every child, regardless of ability, has access to essential safety education.
Pictured: Josh Desilet, Carla Rivera, Jenna Ehmann, and Stefanie Szwejbka from CACGROC.
Gratitude for Our Partners
We extend our deepest thanks to the Child Advocacy Center of Greater Rochester for their expertise and partnership throughout this process. Their dedication to the safety and well-being of children has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life. We are also profoundly grateful to The Golisano Foundation and Camp Smile for their generous funding, which has made this important initiative possible.
Together, we are taking meaningful steps toward a future where all children and adults in their lives are empowered with information and strategies to prevent, recognize, and respond to abuse and unsafe situations.
Stay tuned as we continue to share updates and progress on this journey. If you’d like to learn more or explore ways to bring Child Safety Matters+ to your community, please reach out—we’d love to hear from you!
