When education professionals feel overwhelmed, students with special needs often pay the price. Not only do teachers and other professionals often fail to meet their needs, but they may engage in behavior that causes actual harm to a student.
During emotional reactions or other problematic incidents, teachers and support professionals might move a child into a solitary space where they cannot interact with others. They might also physically restrain the student. When creating, modifying or renewing an individualized educational program (IEP), parents may want to discuss restraints and exclusion from the classroom.
Restraints and isolation can harm students
There are a variety of ways to calm a student with special needs who has an emotional reaction in the classroom. In many cases, coaching the student to follow certain steps to self-soothe can be sufficient. Other times, taking them out of the space until they can regulate their own emotions is necessary.
Occasionally, teachers and other professionals must physically intervene to prevent a student from injuring themselves or others. Generally speaking, educators have an obligation to prioritize the safety and well-being of all students. They need to avoid disciplinary actions and classroom interventions that cause harm.
Recently, state lawmakers outlawed prone restraint in the classroom. However, other forms of restraint, such as holding a student in their chair, may still be cause for concern. Parents may need to discuss a child’s behavior and methods to intervene during an emotional outburst. IEPs can include provisions specifically addressing the use of physical restraints or the separation of the student from their peers to address disciplinary issues.
Parents concerned about prior conduct in a classroom may need to review an existing IEP and learn more about state law. Advocating for students with special needs requires careful attention to detail from parents, especially when preparing educational professionals to intervene during outbursts and other disciplinary issues.