This special education law protects the right of every child to individualized education. This law attests to our commitment to remove barriers to each child's ability to learn. Yet, the residual effects of child abuse and neglect are as much barriers to learning as any type of perceptual problem. Educators are trained to recognize and intervene when children are not able to fully benefit from their educational opportunities. This training makes them uniquely qualified to detect cues that may indicate that children are being maltreated.
Schools are the only places in which children are seen daily.
Therefore, educators have a chance to see changes in their appearances and behaviors. According to a 1984 survey done by the National Education Association, every State in the United States legally mandates that educators report suspected child abuse and neglect. However, the range of educators is defined broadly. Some States clearly define that teachers, principals, nurses, and counselors are included while other States designate all school personnel. In addition, almost every State levies a penalty against mandated reporters who choose not to report.