Directions: Review the case study about Henry, then brainstorm how you will respond to this sexual behavior challenge. Refer to the suggested answers for additional guidance. Share your responses with a trainer, coach, or administrator.

Preschool Case Study: Henry

Henry is a 5-year-old child in a preschool classroom. Alicia, a staff member, describes Henry as an outgoing and social child. He has a variety of interests and certainly enjoys the opportunity to socialize with peers in the program. Henry lives with his father, Michael, mother, Brandy, and 14-year-old brother, Gavin. Brandy was deployed six months ago, and Michael has shared that this has been difficult for the family. 

Technology seems to play a large presence in Henry’s household, and he frequently speaks to staff and peers about shows and video games that contain violence and sex. Henry explores these themes during play and will pretend to “shoot” people, mimic sex-like interactions with dolls, and sometimes use sexually explicit language. When staff talk with Henry about his actions and language, he says that Gavin talks this way and that, “Daddy lets us watch whatever we want.” Staff praise Henry when he plays and speaks in more appropriate ways and redirect any undesirable behavior. Henry will stop the behavior and language in the moment, but it’s an ongoing issue.

Alicia observed Henry and Bao, another preschooler, playing together in the reading area during free choice. Alicia saw Henry pull his pants down, grab Bao’s hand, and forcefully placed Bao’s hand on his genitals. Alicia immediately asked Henry to “stop” and began to discuss safe versus unsafe touching with both children. She was visibly flustered when doing this, and both children became upset and began to cry. After everyone was able to calm down, Alicia spoke individually with each child about the situation. Henry described that he was playing with his friend. When Alicia asked Henry where he learned to play this way, Henry responded, “Gavin asks me to rub his wee wee.”

Describe the behavior:

Henry pull his pants down, grab Bao’s hand, and forcefully placed Bao’s hand on his genitals

 

Responding: In the Moment

Pause

• Gain composure (may help to count to five in your head or take a few deep breaths) before intervening.

 

Redirect

• "Henry, please go to the block center."

 

Listen

• "Bao, what were you and Henry playing?"
• "Henry, what were you playing when you had your pants down? Where did you learn to play that way?"

 

Teach

• Remind both children that is never OK to show or touch other's our private parts unless you need help keeping your body clean. If someone asks to see your private parts or for you to look at or touch theirs, tell a grown-up.

 

 

Responding: After the Fact

Reflect

• Some sensitive information has been shared by Henry. It would be best to involve an administrator to work through next steps.

 

Prepare

• Discuss the response that occured in the moment and how the modifications in the above form better support the children.
• Make sure all children know safe touching rules.

 

Communicate

• Work with your administrator on who/how parents will be informed, what staff need to know, and if outside professionals should be involved.