Use of Physical Restraints

What would happen if a public school special Ed teacher (with many years of teaching experience in the district) was observed and reported restraining a student by taping them to a chair? The student has a diagnosis of autism. Would this warrant a verbal warning or something more severe?

Use of Physical Restraints

MUCH more severe!

Re: Use of Physical Restraints

Oh boy. I feel sick over this. I was the the person that observed it and reported it to the direct of special Ed. 5 minutes later I got a call on my cell from the building principal. Then I got an email from the building psych saying that the director was now at the school. I feel terrible getting someone "in trouble" and I really freaked out that the teacher might figure out that it is me who reported the incident. Going forward how will we be able to work together? Ugh! I was kind of hoping the would just explain that she can't do that. I wonder if she will get the union involved....

Re: Use of Physical Restraints

Wow! My first question is what is that child's Behavior Intervention Plan? Is there anything in the plan that requires physical restraints? If so, then MAYBE the teacher has a leg to stand on. If not, then that teacher should be in for a world of trouble. Good for you for speaking up for a child that probably couldn't speak up for themselves. I'm actually a little sick thinking about it.

Re: Use of Physical Restraints

Every student in the room either has or will have shortly an individual plan (positive beh plan) but the teacher won't use it. She does the class wide red/yellow/green system but it is not enough. She has shunned help and support from the psych/BCBA and the related service providers. It is a sad situation. She's suposed to use a visual schedule too but doesn't.

Re: Use of Physical Restraints

This made me so sad!!! I have had to use physical restraints before with students with autism but only in a case were they would harm themselves or someone else seriously. After the restraint I always do a body check. There is never a reason to tape a child to a chair. You did the right thing by reporting it. Hopefully that teacher will not be back in the classroom ever again. Honestly who cares what she thinks! You just helped that poor child!

Use of Physical Restraints

I don't think you're going to have to worry about working with that teacher anymore.....

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Re: Use of Physical Restraints

Re: Use of Physical Restraints

Posted by LIRascal

Posted by iluvmynutty

Every student in the room either has or will have shortly an individual plan (positive beh plan) but the teacher won't use it. She does the class wide red/yellow/green system but it is not enough. She has shunned help and support from the psych/BCBA and the related service providers. It is a sad situation. She's suposed to use a visual schedule too but doesn't.

Please don't be upset with yourself. This statement says it all about her. If it wasn't you who called it in, eventually it would be someone else.
How long does she think she can get away with it? She has shunned help....


You will find a way to work there in harmony. The children's well being comes first and you have that in mind.

Re: Use of Physical Restraints

This is defined as "Corpal Punishment"

Good thing you reported it or you too could be in alot of trouble.

Yes the union will get involved depending on how far adminstration is going to take it.
The teacher tenured or not could be fired.

Re: Use of Physical Restraints

You did the right thing, it's about the kids, not about your relationships with colleagues.

Re: Use of Physical Restraints