# iLook Out for Child Abuse: An Innovative Learning Module for Childcare Providers

> **NIH NIH R01** · PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIV HERSHEY MED CTR · 2020 · $395,800

## Abstract

ABSTRACT –– iLook Out for Child Abuse: An Innovative Learning Module for Childcare Providers
  
The epidemic of child abuse in the U.S. (>680,000 confirmed annually) causes massive harm to children and
the adults they become. Sequellae include physical disabilities and neurological damage, mental health
problems, maladaptive behaviors, and perpetuating cycles of abuse. Young children (aged 0–5 years) are
particularly vulnerable to victimization. They account for >75% of deaths from abuse and a greater proportion
of victims than older children for all categories of maltreatment except sexual abuse. Yet despite >8 million
American children being in childcare, childcare providers (CCPs) report fewer than 0.5% (~2,500) of all
substantiated cases of child abuse. Research shows that CCPs are not adequately prepared to identify at-risk
children, and there are no evidence-based interventions with demonstrated efficacy for improving CCP
reporting of suspected child abuse. That said, efforts to raise CCP reporting rates must be careful not to
promote inappropriate reporting that merely wastes scarce resources and causes families undue stress.
This 5-year study will evaluate the efficacy of an innovative educational intervention, iLook Out for Child Abuse
(iLookOut) for increasing rates of accurate child abuse reporting. Grounded in an Experiential Learning
conceptual model, iLookOut is a multi-media, online intervention that engages learners emotionally and
intellectually through an interactive, video-based storyline that provides education, challenges learners with
decision-points, and gives critical feedback. iLookOut uses gamification strategies to promote experiential
learning through simulation, problem-solving, and practice opportunities to apply new information and
understanding. It also will include follow-up activities that promote retention and integration of new
knowledge, as well as help CCPs to remain aware and engaged.
Prior studies have demonstrated that iLookOut significantly improves CCP knowledge and attitudes about
reporting suspected child abuse, and is very well received by CCPs. To evaluate its impact on actual reporting
behavior, the proposed research will randomize 3 geographically distinct regions in the state of Maine (which
was chosen because of its excellent child welfare information system, centralized reporting structure, and
enthusiasm to collaborate) to receive iLookOut, Standard training, or Control (no intervention).
The primary goal is to increase the number of CCP reports for which either child abuse is confirmed or social
services (e.g., therapeutic services, nutritional assistance) are recommended –as these are the kinds of reports
that are likely to actually benefit a child. The secondary goal is to decrease the proportion of reports that don't
offer such benefit, and in particular to decrease costs to the state associated with intake and investigation of
non-beneficial reports. If, as hypothesized, iLookOut 1) increa...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10265726
- **Project number:** 3R01HD088448-05S1
- **Recipient organization:** PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIV HERSHEY MED CTR
- **Principal Investigator:** Benjamin H. Levi
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $395,800
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2016-09-20 → 2021-09-16

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10265726

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10265726, iLook Out for Child Abuse: An Innovative Learning Module for Childcare Providers (3R01HD088448-05S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10265726. Licensed CC0.

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