As a Teacher in a Day Care Center, I witnessed another Teacher, who is also the Director of the Center, slap a toddler across the face out of anger and frustration. I went to the owners and told them what I had observed, and they said that they would take care of it. When I left at 6:00 p.m. today, nothing was done, and the Director obviously had no clue that I had observed her actions. If the owners choose not to do anything, I am considering going to The Dept. of Children and Family Services and filing a complaint. Am I doing the right thing, or can you suggest another option?
Thank You. This was very shocking and difficult for me to see, and I am very upset that nothing was done about it.
2006-11-14 12:30:24 · 21 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Preschool
You are an excellent person, and doing the right thing, If my child was being treated like that I would be thankful for a person like YOU ! YOU CAN NEVER GO WRONG BY DOING THE RIGHT THING ! good work CAPTAIN !
2006-11-14 20:57:12 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
If this is true, you need to file a complaint immediately (you should have done this when the incident occurred) with the licensing agency that governs your center. You are a mandated reporter- that means that if you truly witnessed this and a child was hurt, that you MUST report it immediately to the licensing agency and the child protective services. Call the licensing agency and ask them for specific information, they will tell you what they need from you and what you need to do next. You will have to fill out a form and answer questions regarding the incident you saw. The owners are not responsible for taking care of this... you are. If you were the witness to this crime, then you must be the reporting authority. The director will be investigated. However, if you do not take action, and the director is investigated because of what you told the owners, then YOU can be held liable. This means that you can be fined up to $1000 or jailed, or both. Since ALL childcare workers are mandated child abuse reporters, this is the law, and I'd hate to see you get fined for not doing the right thing to protect that child and all the others in your center. Call CPS and licensing IMMEDIATELY.
2006-11-16 11:31:59 · answer #2 · answered by dolphin mama 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I work for the board of education in the state of Jersey, and I am telling you if you happen to observe this and do nothing about it, then you would be more in the wrong then the person who did the hitting.
I would call the Dept. of Children and Family Service and I would also write them a letter, date it, and make a copy of said letter so, if God forbid, the person you talked to try to get YOU fired, you have a lawsuit on your hands.
You are doing the right thing. This is if the owners of said company does nothing about it. Now, the extreme mesure would be this. What if the director does nothing, try to sweep it under the rug and then gave you an "ultimatum" about wanting to "keep your job", then, I would write to the Family Services place, quit your job and talk to the Human Resource department or have the Family Services help you find a job. Then, because you witnessed the ordeal, go with them to the child's parent's house and talk with them. Tell them what happened.
Protect the child-and any other children in that center-from this woman. Then, protect yourself. If you don't, when this happens again, how bad would it be that time? Does this child or any other child have to be hospitalized in order to have something done?
Please. Do this.
2006-11-14 12:50:20 · answer #3 · answered by uchaboo 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
DOCUMENT THIS! write it down, what you say, the action taken. give a copy to the parent and one to the center owners. leave off the teachers name. put down something like "I observed (teacher) slap Billy across the....." Leave off the name of the staff person in question. This will protect you legally. Add at the bottom that you will discuss the 'who did it' with only the center owners and day care licensing (protective services). Keep copies for yourself, and make sure you put in the dates and times you witnessed the event and when you informed the owners. every state requires notification of any inappropriate action witnessed. Notice, I did not say abuse, leave that up to day care licensing or protective services to make that claim. again, labeling it 'inappropriate' instead of abuse keeps you in the clear legally. if question why you are reporting a day later, let them kno you contacted the owners and you were unsure how else to proceeed. You should have been told the reporting requirements! good luck, and call ASAP!
2006-11-15 10:12:24 · answer #4 · answered by Bobbi 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I dont know if this is universal in all states or just Iowa, but to work in a facility that cares for children, you have to be a manditory reporter. if you are, then you MUST report this. If you are not, then you morally MUST report this. It is ILLEGAL. If nothing is done at the day care center, then follow up with the police. I would also let the parents of that child know about it. Good for you for not ignoring this!
2006-11-14 13:22:11 · answer #5 · answered by s w 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are several things that you can and need to do...first thing do call the Dept of Children and Family Services...they will take your claim very seriously and you can also remain annomous...also contact the child care licensing for your state...they will come and investigate and they will also keep your identity annomous this is not something to ignore...not only are these parents counting on you and trusting you but so are the children
2006-11-14 12:37:12 · answer #6 · answered by crazychick1466 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I too am a preschool teacher. I know that in my state, we are mandated reporters, meaning that if we witness abuse in any form we are required by law to report it. Whether your state has that law or not, you must for the safety of that child as well as the other children in that class, report this to a higher authority. I would suggest calling the Department of family and Children's Services in your area. If you cannot find one call the police station, and they will be able to direct you to the proper agency. You must protect that child that cannot protect itself.
2006-11-14 13:18:14 · answer #7 · answered by tonzzafun 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you should definitely report it. i am a mother and when my child is at school i put all my trust in her caregivers and educators. This child does not deserve to be treated this way. you should report it to child services immediately. you can not lose your job, if you did you can sue the owners of the facility where you work. just think of it this way. today she just slapped him next time it could be worse. the children in your day care depend on you to keep the safe .DO WHAT IS RIGHT FOR THE CHILDREN, GET THIS ABUSER OUT OF THERE ASAP.
2006-11-14 18:20:07 · answer #8 · answered by ME I 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can not go without saying anything. What if they were to do that again to another child? Perhaps YOUR child? You have rights too and you have the right to report that action AND the action of the owners...who have done NOTHING! I wish you luck!
2006-11-15 18:21:49 · answer #9 · answered by alley102us 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I used to work in a day care center and this needs to be reported. First you need to document what you saw and the date in which it happened. (for your protection) Then you need to call the dept of child and family services and file the report, you can remain annomous if you choose too. Make sure you document who you spoke to and what they said. This needs to be handled and the sooner the better.
2006-11-15 18:07:11 · answer #10 · answered by cheetahgurlnc 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are doing the right thing, This teacher should be fired, and I am sure the childs parents would want to know. Hats off to you for taking action.
2006-11-14 13:28:41 · answer #11 · answered by Janice 10 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋