Research consistently shows that children benefit from direct, age-appropriate instruction on personal safety, boundaries, and how to seek help. Organizations such as the World Health Organization emphasize that prevention education, combined with supportive adults and clear reporting pathways, is a key strategy in reducing childhood sexual abuse. Sadly, statistics around child sexual abuse continue to grow nationwide and prevention is important to stop abuse before it occurs by identifying signs and signals.

Research shows that effective prevention of sexual abuse in school districts requires comprehensive education, clear reporting systems, trained staff, family engagement, and a strong culture of safety and accountability.

Santa Ana Unified School District (the 7th largest district in state) was the original district to pilot KnowGo. KnowGo is now being used by 14 school districts in California, with the list growing each semester. 

This year (2025-26) it will be for 1st to 5th graders only. Moving forward it will be presented to 1st and 3rd graders.

KnowGO is designed for elementary students who have the developmental readiness to engage with its interactive lessons and scenarios related to personal safety, boundaries, and decision‑making.

For our TK and Kindergarten students, the district already provides age‑appropriate instruction focused on personal boundaries and social‑emotional development through its Social and Emotional Learning curriculum, RethinkEd. These lessons support young learners in understanding body autonomy, identifying trusted adults, and practicing how to express discomfort in simple, developmentally appropriate way.

Our classroom teachers will their students through the program modules during class.

Parents/Guardians are not expected to navigate these conversations alone. Our schools provide access to site-based support staff who can offer guidance and answer questions. In addition, families receive take-home materials and conversation guides connected to the lessons to help continue discussions in a supportive and developmentally appropriate way. If additional support is needed, we will work with families to connect them with appropriate resources and referrals.

Participation applies to the program as a whole rather than individual lessons. Parents/Guardians have access to program information through the website and informational materials shared in advance. If a family chooses not to have their child participate, they may opt-out by signing and returning the provided opt-out form.

To maintain a consistent classroom environment and protect student privacy, parent/guardian observation during lessons is not permitted.

The KnowGo program is only available in English.

KnowGo is not a sex education program. It does not teach about reproduction or sexual health.

It is a child safety and abuse prevention program that helps students recognize safe and unsafe situations, trust their instincts, and identify trusted adults they can go to for help. The lessons are age-appropriate and focus on personal safety and empowerment.

If a student shares a personal concern, staff follow all required reporting laws and established child protection procedures. Educators are trained to respond appropriately, maintain student privacy, and guide discussions in a way that remains developmentally appropriate.

Our schools are prepared to respond appropriately if more students come forward after participating in this program. Our staff are trained in mandated reporting procedures and student support protocols, and we have site-based support personnel available to provide immediate assistance. We view increased reporting not as a concern, but as an indicator that students feel safer speaking up and know how to seek help.

Please contact Mrs. Elida Sanchez, Program Administrator- Community Schools, if you would like to schedule a screening of the KnowGo Modules by emailing Ms. Sanchez at elsanchez@dusd.net or calling (562) 469-6680.