My 4 year old came home telling me that while his class (21 kids)was in the library watching a movie, the librarian left the class unattended for an unknown period of time (he says it was a long time) to go have a talk with a parent in the office.
An incident occurred while they were unattended and the teacher disciplined my son for it and later had a conference with myself and my husband. Although she was quick to place blame on my son, she did not tell us that they were unattended. We learned that from our son later when we asked him to tell us what happened step by step.
Is this legal?
I have been trying to look up specific Texas regulations about this, but I am having no luck.
Thanks!
2006-09-23 14:58:32 · 9 answers · asked by sroozib 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Preschool
It is not legal, ethical or professional to be leaving a classroom unattended for any period of time. I teach 5th grade (not in TX) with 17 students and I cannot even go to the bathroom without first finding coverage for my class.
The librarian shouldn't have left. There has to be some sort of "Student Services" office in your district where you can voice your concern about this. If you go to the office in your child's school then I'm sure they can give it to you. You should also talk to the Principal about this...however, it won't be enough to "fire" the librarian if that's what you want.
About your child's class size...21 students and ONE teacher? Really? I have a three year old in preschool and there's THREE teachers...you should probably check up on that too while you're at it.
Now, about your child...I believe this is the second time you mention his behavior being an issue. I know that we as parents want to protect our children and believe in them. However, let's think about this for a moment, shall we?
I too have a four year old, and a three year old and even IF they were left unattended I know that they fully understand my expectations, AND their teacher's expectations. If your child did something inappropriate then you have to hold them responsible for it. You cannot excuse them, even IF they were unattended. They have to know and understand that no matter what, you will hold them accountable and responsible for their OWN behavior. Don't make excuses for him!
No matter what the situation surrounding this, your child is responsible for HiS part of the problem.
2006-09-23 15:33:54 · answer #1 · answered by bitto luv 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There is no law against leaving the children alone in the classroom. It is more a question of district policy.
It is not wise to leave a class, but it is not unreasonable for children to be alone when a teacher goes to the restroom. Sometimes a teacher may ask the teacher from across the way to watch while she or he takes care of certain matters.
When dealing with my own personal children. I never talk about the teacher to them. I tell my child they should have been behaving no matter who was watching.
I would talk to the teacher about the time she was away from the class if it concerns you. But remember that, "a long time" to a child is different than a long time to an adult.
The whole thing is strange to me because there is a librarian, a teacher and an aide (all PK in Texas should have one). It is hard to believe that all three of these people were absent from the library. I would check it out.
2006-09-23 15:42:31 · answer #2 · answered by queenbee 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am sure kids are not allowed to be left unattended. However, as a preschool teacher and the mother of a 4 year old, I also think your son might be doing some fabricating. My daughter told me her teacher made the class change into bathing suits and dive into a tank to get things off the bottom. At this age, I would really take what any child says with a grain of salt.
Some other thoughts:
Why are there 21 kids with just one teacher to begin with. How can the teacher discipline your son for something she didn't see (i don't even do that with my own kids at home).
I know you want to trust your son and believe in him, I just know my daughter will swear that her friends mom let them go in the car without car seats, or that so and so told her they were going to take her away....etc. Kids this age make up things, they lie too, when it is convenient for them. Sadly.
Sometimes, these days, it seems like parents just want to let their kids off the hook and always side with their kids, right or wrong.
Your son may be telling the truth, and I hope he is.....just trying to present an alternate view.
2006-09-23 15:12:01 · answer #3 · answered by Beth M 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That is illegal and immoral and stupid to leave kids alone. My daughter was a buddy/aid to K when she was in 6th - 8th grades. When she was in the 6th the K teacher decided to go home , 1 block from the school-walking, and left my young daughter alone with the class! I was livid! so many things could have happened. I didn't know about it until she had done this several times! She found out from me not to leave my daughter with the kids again! She also stopped leaving the school without others knowing about it.That was so scary for my daughte and for me. I guess thekids were well-behaved and nothing ever happened but still...
2006-09-23 19:08:52 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, it is not legal in Texas. You can get that from the Texas Civil Code AND the Texas Criminal Code. I suggest that you file a complaint with your local Department of Human Resources, or if another agency oversees daycare licensing, file a complaint with them. Also, put your kid in a different institution NOW. He obviously is not safe AND YOU may be liable for criminally neglecting to end the "abuse/neglect" if you do not. I know that sounds crazy, but it IS true.
2006-09-23 15:08:28 · answer #5 · answered by cyanne2ak 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Pre-k should NEVER be left unattended. If that teacher had to step out, someone should have stayed with the kids.This teacher needs to be reprimanded so that it doesn't happen again.
2006-09-24 02:19:00 · answer #6 · answered by redwidow 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would have her job. Can you imagine what could have happened with 21 kids unattended. Holy Shi_.
2006-09-23 15:01:54 · answer #7 · answered by Phyliss C 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
you can sue her for that because thats not legal anywhere especially at such a young age...something worst could've happened, god forbid
2006-09-23 15:54:01 · answer #8 · answered by $hoW $ToPpeR 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
NO
2006-09-23 16:37:36 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋