Child Safe Environment Training
Circles of Care - Syracuse Diocese Safe Environment Curriculum
Each Catholic parish in the USA is required to teach Safe Environment to their students once a year. We have been teaching these Circles of Care lessons at St. Mary's for the past 5 years and used a different curriculum before that.
What is Circles of Care?
Circles of Care is an educational program tailored to our parish catechetical programs. This curriculum originally developed by the Diocese of Manchester has been adapted by the Diocese of Syracuse to address age appropriate personal safety issues for children and youth in the context of Catholic moral teaching. The training replaces the awareness training that the diocese had been using since 2004.
Circles of Care: Safe Child Training: FAQs
Why is it important that we include a child safety curriculum at
parishes of the Diocese?
Introducing a program for children and youth on personal safety that respects the role
of parents as the primary educators of children is part of the commitment made by the
Diocese of Syracuse to protect children and young people. Circles of Care and
supplemental information from the Sexual Abuse Awareness curriculum previously
used, introduces to students foundational principles of living our faith, especially
personal safety, making good decisions, developing wholesome relationships, and
self-esteem, all within the context of the religious curriculum for each grade. Article
12 of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, which was
adopted by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in 2002 provides that
dioceses are to maintain “safe environment” programs, including programs for
children and youth, which the diocesan bishop “deems to be in accord with Catholic
moral principles.”
What grade levels receive this class?
All children in grades K through 12 will receive the class during the Faith formation year.
Is it age appropriate? Yes, the lessons are age appropriate at all levels.
Focus in each grade is:
K - We are created by God to be good and special and unique and loved
1 - Created and loved by God, specific qualities make us unique and special
2 - Good and bad secrets, trusted adults are
3 - Bullying, trusted adults
4 - Difference between tattling and responsible telling
5 - Trusted adults, ok to speak up when you feel uncomfortable
6- Scripture passages that illustrate God's love and care for all; apply lessons from scripture
7 and 8 - Internet safety - this year we have written our own lesson for this and it is attached
More on Internet Safety for our children HERE on the Family FF website
May parents attend the class?Yes, parents are invited and encouraged to attend the class with the children.
May I review the curriculum before my child attends the class? Yes, please see the links below for the lesson for each grade level
May I opt out the class and use the online materials to teach the lesson at home to my child?Yes, you will find an opt out form link below that you may fill out and return to the Catechetical Leader. You may print the materials out and review with your children at your convenience. (see below)
Is there an adult equivalent to the training?
Yes, all adults working with children in the Diocese of Syracuse (staff and all volunteers) are required to take the Safe Child Training course. It is open and free to any adult who would like to take it. You may find courses and a schedule of classes HERE .
For the 2018-2019 school year the Circles of Care lesson will be taught to all grade levels on Nov 3 & 4 2018
You are welcome to review and download the curriculum by section. Each section is a link.
Letter from Bishop Cunningham
Program Overview
FAQs
Scope and Sequence
Pre K – K
COC – Grade One
COC – Grade 2
COC – Grade 3
COC – Grade 4
COC – Grade 5
Grade 5 Parent Resources
COC – Grade 6
Grade 7 & 8 lesson taught at St. Mary's on Internet Safety
Grade 7 Lesson (not taught at St. Mary's this year- see lesson above)
Grade 7 Internet Resources for parents to use with children
COC – Grades 7 and 8 (not taught at St. Mary's this year- see lesson above)
COC – Grade 9
Grade 10 Lesson
COC – Bullying – High School
COC – Hazing – High School
COC – Relationships – High School
COC – Relationships – Handouts
Resource List
COC – Parent Resources
COC – Author Credits
Parental Opt-Out Form
What is Circles of Care?
Circles of Care is an educational program tailored to our parish catechetical programs. This curriculum originally developed by the Diocese of Manchester has been adapted by the Diocese of Syracuse to address age appropriate personal safety issues for children and youth in the context of Catholic moral teaching. The training replaces the awareness training that the diocese had been using since 2004.
Circles of Care: Safe Child Training: FAQs
Why is it important that we include a child safety curriculum at
parishes of the Diocese?
Introducing a program for children and youth on personal safety that respects the role
of parents as the primary educators of children is part of the commitment made by the
Diocese of Syracuse to protect children and young people. Circles of Care and
supplemental information from the Sexual Abuse Awareness curriculum previously
used, introduces to students foundational principles of living our faith, especially
personal safety, making good decisions, developing wholesome relationships, and
self-esteem, all within the context of the religious curriculum for each grade. Article
12 of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, which was
adopted by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in 2002 provides that
dioceses are to maintain “safe environment” programs, including programs for
children and youth, which the diocesan bishop “deems to be in accord with Catholic
moral principles.”
What grade levels receive this class?
All children in grades K through 12 will receive the class during the Faith formation year.
Is it age appropriate? Yes, the lessons are age appropriate at all levels.
Focus in each grade is:
K - We are created by God to be good and special and unique and loved
1 - Created and loved by God, specific qualities make us unique and special
2 - Good and bad secrets, trusted adults are
3 - Bullying, trusted adults
4 - Difference between tattling and responsible telling
5 - Trusted adults, ok to speak up when you feel uncomfortable
6- Scripture passages that illustrate God's love and care for all; apply lessons from scripture
7 and 8 - Internet safety - this year we have written our own lesson for this and it is attached
More on Internet Safety for our children HERE on the Family FF website
May parents attend the class?Yes, parents are invited and encouraged to attend the class with the children.
May I review the curriculum before my child attends the class? Yes, please see the links below for the lesson for each grade level
May I opt out the class and use the online materials to teach the lesson at home to my child?Yes, you will find an opt out form link below that you may fill out and return to the Catechetical Leader. You may print the materials out and review with your children at your convenience. (see below)
Is there an adult equivalent to the training?
Yes, all adults working with children in the Diocese of Syracuse (staff and all volunteers) are required to take the Safe Child Training course. It is open and free to any adult who would like to take it. You may find courses and a schedule of classes HERE .
For the 2018-2019 school year the Circles of Care lesson will be taught to all grade levels on Nov 3 & 4 2018
You are welcome to review and download the curriculum by section. Each section is a link.
Letter from Bishop Cunningham
Program Overview
FAQs
Scope and Sequence
Pre K – K
COC – Grade One
COC – Grade 2
COC – Grade 3
COC – Grade 4
COC – Grade 5
Grade 5 Parent Resources
COC – Grade 6
Grade 7 & 8 lesson taught at St. Mary's on Internet Safety
Grade 7 Lesson (not taught at St. Mary's this year- see lesson above)
Grade 7 Internet Resources for parents to use with children
COC – Grades 7 and 8 (not taught at St. Mary's this year- see lesson above)
COC – Grade 9
Grade 10 Lesson
COC – Bullying – High School
COC – Hazing – High School
COC – Relationships – High School
COC – Relationships – Handouts
Resource List
COC – Parent Resources
COC – Author Credits
Parental Opt-Out Form