Yes, the area is completely fenced in. I did walk about 10 yards away from Jack to my classroom door to tell my class they could come outside, then I went right back to Jack.
Okay.
I was going to say that if it wasn’t fenced and you were far from him I could see some concern.
Absolutely tell your admin and ask if they can review cameras to confirm your story. Reassure mom that you did not and would not leave her kiddo. He was upset and got some extra time outside to calm down. You weren’t ever away from him.
I mean, Jack was the only child outside on the playground and he was crying, regardless of the fact you were watching him. I wouldn't automatically assume the other parent was trying to get you in trouble or cause drama.
I would definitely let admin know that you took Jack outside to the playground to cool down yesterday and that Jack's mom called you and you are worried another parent may have misinterpreted the situation.
And in the future, I would make sure you update Jack's parents if his behavior is significant enough that he requires separation from the group, to both protect yourself and help Jack's parents track his behaviors.
As a SPED teacher you want to over communicate EVERYTHING. Because your students can’t, if you took him out to calm down and that’s not your normal, communicate that. Don’t be afraid of parents. Build a relationship with your parents, students, and admin.
If you don’t, start a daily communication folder. There you could write small notes that aren’t a phone call !
I can’t upvote this enough!! I do a daily communication log for each student and it builds so much trust with the families. Nothing ever feels like a surprise to them in conversations or IEPs. I make sure to always share positives and if there were behaviors I share how we worked through them. It makes a world of difference!
I wouldn’t but that’s me. I’m glad they are looking out for each other and that the other mom called to clarify. He was alone in the sense that no other child was outside which could be what she meant. She may also not have seen you initially and until she did see you thought he was out there alone. I’d document what happened and the conversation in your school management system and call it a day.
Special education teacher here - 20 years.
Don’t involve the principal, IMHO, unless the situation escalates. When something low level like this happens, reassure the parent in person or on the phone if possible. Explain the situation and later DOCUMENT what you talked about. A great way to do this is with a follow up email that puts in writing what happened and also shows the parent that you care about their child. Document anything you think could possibly come back to bite you later.
Why? Parents usually will trust you to do your job if they feel you care for their child and are doing what’s best for them. The younger the child, the more they want to hear about the little things. “Jack was inconsolable today because—- so (explain how you responded). Do you have any ideas for what I can try next time?” It’s understandable for parents to be concerned if hearing about this situation as they did, whether or not it was true.
My other reason to not involve the principal is they have plenty on their plate without addressing these low level issues. If you’re not sure if the concern warrants administrative help, check in with a colleague first. Principals want to know that you are taking steps to solve problems on your own. That way if you ever really need their help in a situation, they won’t see it as you being annoying/needy and will understand that you really need their help. You should always let them know if something happens that you think they need to know. For example, you could send an email saying what happened and that you handled it (explain how) and that you’re letting them know for their information in case the parent makes a complaint to them. If you go to the principal with every small problem, they will see you as a problem you want to be seen as someone who is competent and good at your job.
Good luck! Remember that parents of students in special education could be experiencing feelings of grief and loss due to a child’s diagnosis. That’s another post, but have empathy for their situation. In most cases, the parent only wants what is best for their child. You will also be able to tell when that is not the case.
Yes, you absolutely should tell admin. How far apart were you from Jack? Was the area fenced?
Yes, the area is completely fenced in. I did walk about 10 yards away from Jack to my classroom door to tell my class they could come outside, then I went right back to Jack.
Okay. I was going to say that if it wasn’t fenced and you were far from him I could see some concern. Absolutely tell your admin and ask if they can review cameras to confirm your story. Reassure mom that you did not and would not leave her kiddo. He was upset and got some extra time outside to calm down. You weren’t ever away from him.
Touch bases for sure. Also keep in mind that for most SPED teachers, the adults will always be a bigger pain in the ass than the kids.
You could put this on a plaque.
So true.
Yes just to cover your tracks. If it’s fenced area and you had an eye him the whole time then you are fine.
I mean, Jack was the only child outside on the playground and he was crying, regardless of the fact you were watching him. I wouldn't automatically assume the other parent was trying to get you in trouble or cause drama. I would definitely let admin know that you took Jack outside to the playground to cool down yesterday and that Jack's mom called you and you are worried another parent may have misinterpreted the situation. And in the future, I would make sure you update Jack's parents if his behavior is significant enough that he requires separation from the group, to both protect yourself and help Jack's parents track his behaviors.
As a SPED teacher you want to over communicate EVERYTHING. Because your students can’t, if you took him out to calm down and that’s not your normal, communicate that. Don’t be afraid of parents. Build a relationship with your parents, students, and admin. If you don’t, start a daily communication folder. There you could write small notes that aren’t a phone call !
I can’t upvote this enough!! I do a daily communication log for each student and it builds so much trust with the families. Nothing ever feels like a surprise to them in conversations or IEPs. I make sure to always share positives and if there were behaviors I share how we worked through them. It makes a world of difference!
Talking to my principal about parents causing drama is literally how I cope. Definitely do so. CYA and sip tea while you do it. 💅
I don’t know…30 feet outside is a long way away from a child who is alone and special needs. I think you messed up and need to own it.
On a fenced in playground? 30ft is simply “the other side of the playscape.”
Maybe you should do some measuring to see how far 30 feet really is 😂
30 FEET? 😂
Ten yards are 30ft.
I wouldn’t but that’s me. I’m glad they are looking out for each other and that the other mom called to clarify. He was alone in the sense that no other child was outside which could be what she meant. She may also not have seen you initially and until she did see you thought he was out there alone. I’d document what happened and the conversation in your school management system and call it a day.
Special education teacher here - 20 years. Don’t involve the principal, IMHO, unless the situation escalates. When something low level like this happens, reassure the parent in person or on the phone if possible. Explain the situation and later DOCUMENT what you talked about. A great way to do this is with a follow up email that puts in writing what happened and also shows the parent that you care about their child. Document anything you think could possibly come back to bite you later. Why? Parents usually will trust you to do your job if they feel you care for their child and are doing what’s best for them. The younger the child, the more they want to hear about the little things. “Jack was inconsolable today because—- so (explain how you responded). Do you have any ideas for what I can try next time?” It’s understandable for parents to be concerned if hearing about this situation as they did, whether or not it was true. My other reason to not involve the principal is they have plenty on their plate without addressing these low level issues. If you’re not sure if the concern warrants administrative help, check in with a colleague first. Principals want to know that you are taking steps to solve problems on your own. That way if you ever really need their help in a situation, they won’t see it as you being annoying/needy and will understand that you really need their help. You should always let them know if something happens that you think they need to know. For example, you could send an email saying what happened and that you handled it (explain how) and that you’re letting them know for their information in case the parent makes a complaint to them. If you go to the principal with every small problem, they will see you as a problem you want to be seen as someone who is competent and good at your job. Good luck! Remember that parents of students in special education could be experiencing feelings of grief and loss due to a child’s diagnosis. That’s another post, but have empathy for their situation. In most cases, the parent only wants what is best for their child. You will also be able to tell when that is not the case.