Alaska law requires that licensed day care providers, paid day care staff, school teachers, or school administrative staff report known and suspected child abuse and neglect. At least two-thirds of all reported abuse happens to children under the age of three. For that reason alone, the role of the early childhood program staff takes on great significance. The potential for putting an end to abuse or neglect before it becomes too deeply entrenched in the family's patterns is very real. The schools have a unique role in the identification of neglected and abused children. For the preschool population, the same can be said of day care and other early childhood programs. For many preschoolers, an early childhood program will be the only resource that will be able to see if a child is in need of protection. In addition, an early childhood program may be the only place where an abused or neglected child can have a sustained relationship outside the home. Early childhood staff are in a position to have children confide in them. If a child tells a care provider or other staff something that indicates abuse or neglect, that person should listen closely. Known abused and neglected children should be given extra attention when possible, since these children often have special physical and emotional needs. (LLL)