HIV Video Based Training for Early Childhood Educators

The first case of AIDS was reported by the Centers for Disease Control in 1981; and first infantcase was reported in 1982. Epidemiology of the disease has broadened over the course of the epidemicto include increasing rates of heterosexual transmission, greater numbers of infected women ofchild-bearing age and children. In fact children under the age of 13 represent the fastest growingexposure group overall. Estimates indicate that there may be 3,000 HIV infected children born everyyear in New York City alone. Pediatric HIV/AIDS is not relegated to big cities, however, and childreninfected with HIV/AIDS are enrolling in schools across the country. Preliminary research indicates thatdespite policies and procedures and availability of resources on HIV prevention, few practical materialsare available to instruct teachers how best to prepare for and work with students in the classroom whohave HIV or AIDS. We will investigate the feasibility of a proactive, comprehensive, video-based trainingprogram for early childhood and primary level educators on HIV/AIDS. The training will providebackground on HIV/AIDS developmental disabilities common to infected students, legal mandates andpractical techniques and classroom strategies that focus on such issues as infection control.