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18 | Early Childhood Education and Care Department EARLY CHILDHOOD INFORMATION CHILD ABUSE

How to report concerns about care in a child care facility and suspected child abuse: If you have a concern regarding the care that is being provided within a child care facility or home, please report your concerns to the ECECD Intake Hotline at 1-888-351-0037 or email us at: ChildCare.Complaint@ececd.nm.gov RECOGNIZING CHILD ABUSE Signs of Physical Abuse: • Child has unexplained burns, bites, bruises, broken bones, or black eyes • Bruising on a baby who cannot yet walk or crawl. • Child seems frightened, cowers, or cries when certain adults are around • Displays sudden sadness, depression, aggression, or withdrawal • Reports injury caused by an adult Signs of Neglect: • Child is frequently absent from school or child care • Begs or steals food or money • Lacks necessary medical or dental care, immunizations, or glasses • Consistently dirty or has a noticeable odor • Lacks appropriate clothing for the weather Signs of Sexual Abuse: • Child has difficulty walking or sitting • Becomes suddenly modest or unwilling to participate in physical activities • Displays inappropriate sexual knowledge or behavior • Tries to run away or discloses instances of sexual abuse Signs of Emotional Abuse: • Exhibits extremes in behavior (e.g., overly demanding, passive, or aggressive) • Displays behaviors that are either overly adult-like or infantile • Shows delays in physical or emotional development • Reports a lack of attachment or emotional connection Signs of Shaken Baby Syndrome: • Irritability or excessive crying • Vomiting without explanation • Poor feeding or refusal to eat • Extreme tiredness, lethargy, or unconsciousness • Seizures or convulsions • Difficulty breathing Recognizing these signs can help protect a child from harm and provide them with the necessary support and intervention. If you suspect child abuse, it’s important to report it to the appropriate authorities immediately.