How do I report a teacher for abuse in the classroom?

A Caring Family Child Care Home - posted on 04/03/2012

Spot on!

Rene - posted on 04/03/2012

Talk also with the other parents in the class. Are their children afraid or reporting yelling?

Arleen - posted on 04/03/2012

There are always facts missing in these stories. Number 1: As a parent, do you visit the classroom/volunteer? 2. Are these "accusations"also coming from other children and parents? 3. Does your child have a special friend in his previous class -- and is he possibly looking for an option to go back to the the old room........You must sit down with the teacher and principal immediately. Sadly, it is so easy to accuse an educated professional (and parents are quick to blame the teacher before the student!)......A 5 year old does not have the cognitive capacity to reason or to articulate/evaluate what is actually occurring in the classroom. Call an attorney?? Call the media?? You must be kidding! To potentially ruin the career of a teacher because of lack of facts is criminal and mean-spirited.

Jennifer - posted on 04/03/2012

This child should see a counselor specializing in early childhood. They would be able to make a factual determination as to whether or not there is something else going on here. It is apparent this child has had some traumatic events of the past weeks that need to be addressed. I believe you should work with the school district. If they refuse to help, I would highly suggest talking to a child advocacy group. They will be able to guide her in the right direction.

Puja - posted on 04/03/2012

I agree with u...

A Caring Family Child Care Home - posted on 04/03/2012

Koodos to you! this entire line of responces is way off base. I have only seen about three or four sencible responces. Painfully evident most folks here have no experience working with children and famlies. This is a parent who needs to get into the classroom and pend several weeks learning and observing what goes on. Ya think perhaps a "fact" finding mission is in order?

Carmen - posted on 04/03/2012

get a lawyer

Puja - posted on 04/03/2012

i agree with u.....

Rebekah - posted on 04/03/2012

Another option you could consider is Cyber Charter school. We do K12 with our son, who is 5 (this is in every state in the U.S.),. Though we do school in our home, it is a public school curriculum and everything is free;computer, all materials. If you couldn't school your son at home yourself, maybe there would be a family mamber or friend willing to do it. Also, because it is public school, my son was evaluated and an IEP put in place for Speech Therapy (the therapist comes to our house), Occupational Therapy (the therapist comes to our house), and Physical Therapy (we go to a pediatric Therapy center for this). The benefit to me (well and to my son) is that I am always present. I know what he is learning and I know what is being done with him in therapy as well. Just sharing this info for you to do what you want with it.

Stephanie - posted on 04/03/2012

Is it possible for you to spend a day or two "Volunteering" in the classroom. This will allow you to make some observations for your self. Certainly this teacher will not behave as poorly when you are there but if you are there long enough she might slip up with other students.



I would recommend a meeting with the teacher and the principal together to confront the issues up front and ask for explanations for your sons accusations and behaviors.



There are organizations out there that specialize in advocating for parents and student rights, you can try googleing it to find one in your area.



I would also recommend going up the ladder so to speak. Contact the superintendent, the school board or even your local news station to drum up support.



Good Luck!!

A Caring Family Child Care Home - posted on 04/03/2012

Spot on Mary...

Melissa - posted on 04/03/2012

REALLY? "Contact the media", Jen Kowtalo???? Contacting the media doesn't "help"...you could TOTALLY be wrecking someone's life and job without knowing the whole situation!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Call and set up a meeting with the principal and teacher. If you feel that is not enough, then request the superintendent to be there as well. Try not to attack the school system until you know the whole story .... you obviously need to get everyone on the same page.Let them know your concerns and worries. MOST teachers want what isBEST for the child. Take a deep breath and try to calm down. You obviously need to talk with the adults who work with your son. Write down the questions you need to ask beofre you go in. I am not sure if you are married, however, bringing your husband or your son's father is also a good idea. Good Luck!

Linda - posted on 04/03/2012

Do what ever it takes, do NOT let him anywhere near that place. Take pictures, video and call the police. Know you are not alone

Judy - posted on 04/03/2012

I agree go over the principal and talk to the school board. I would not send him to school as it will only get worse not better. You want you boy to enjoy school. Shame on that Teacher for using her authority in such an awful way.

Please here me out, my son went through some of this with a Preschool Teacher. It took almost a year before he would talk to any adults outside of the family. He is still not very trusting of them at all.

As a parent you need to be there advicate even if you have others telling you it may not all be true. If he is so scared you are dragging him to school that does not sound made up at all. Shame on you parents that believe he may not be telling the truth. Come on! Really! My kid would cry and cry. I later came into the class and saw the Teacher grabbing him so hard that his whole arm was red and yelling at him. He was shaking so much. Of course nothing was done to the Teacher because we live in a small town and alot of people worship her.

I despise Teachers that think they can use there powers and treat poor young children that way. I will pray for you as a Mom my heart goes out to you and your child. Good luck and my God be with you.

Rebekah - posted on 04/03/2012

You are right - DON"T send him to school. If you are getting nowhere with this social worker, I would waste no more time in contacting the authorities. This SHOULD NOT be happening, especially in a school! Act on this quickly;for your sake, your son's sake, and for the sake of all other children, Best wishes to you and to your little man.

Carol - posted on 04/03/2012

There are some very good ideas presented, and some that will not help, just cause more problems. Talk to the teacher. talk to the speech therapist. It sounds like your son will talk with the therapist. Maybe she will work with you and you can get video of your son telling what has happened. Listen to him, but remember that kids do lie. So the investigative skills need to be good to get to the bottom of this. If you can get a hidden camera recording device in the room,that he can set on a shelf, that may be helpful. If you can volunteer in the classroom for a couple days, that may also help you to know the personality of the teacher. Just some ideas....



If you really feel that there is abuse, the principal is the place to start. If she does nothing as it sounds like she is, go up the ladder to her boss and keep going up to the school board representative. The media is also a really good option. They can make things happen, but you have to have documentation (pictures, notes, etc) to present your side to them. Be sure to call all 3 or 4 networks, not just 1. There are procedures that need to be followed in making a complaint. You can also call the police, but try to solve this before doing that.



Remember that things take time. Investigations take time. Just because you don't see something happening, doesn't mean it's not. However, the school should take your claim seriously. If they are clearly not doing that, then it should be elevated. Good luck!

Amber - posted on 04/03/2012

If your son is potentially being abused at school you need to go to the police immediately, so it can be thoroughly investigated. I don't know where your from, but there can be some pretty big consequences for not reporting child abuse, suspected or witnessed.

Phoebe - posted on 04/03/2012

Well first of all any abuse is not okay. Sometimes children aren't exactly honest with their parents always either. Is it your son is afraid to tell you the truth because he is afraid of your reaction ? If you really suspect there is abuse you can call CPS (Child Protective Services). This is what teachers are required by law to call if they suspect abuse from parents, teachers, caregivers, etc... They should be able to help you out.

Maggie - posted on 04/03/2012

I work with the local authority to support families resolve situations like this.

The first thing you must do is report this to the head teacher and get your child out of the class immediatel before anymore incidents and damage is done.second thing to conside is do you want to complain to a higher authority.in the UK we have a tea who deal with these issues called LADO.ring town central number for access to this team.

I hope your son isn't too traumatised for the long run.

Jolene - posted on 04/03/2012

We need an update from the original poster. There is a whole lot of overreacting going on. I have yet to hear ONCE that the teacher was talked to. How can anyone even begin to know the story without hearing the other side? I work in public education and there are always two sides to every story. I also want to know why he was transferred. Change can bring on behavior issues.

Gina - posted on 04/03/2012

If you can't get justice for your child through the regular channels, go to "The Press". Also demand that the teacher be fired and her teaching license be terminated.

Linda - posted on 04/03/2012

Try contacting the parents of other children in the class to see if any of their children have similar stories. If so form a unified group and request a group meeting with the principle and let her know that if she doesn't do anything about this teacher it will be brought to the school board. Good luck. I know I'd be so frustrated in your place.



Linda

Georgene - posted on 04/03/2012

If it is truly a case of abuse and you have talked to the teacher, principal, administration, etc and have not gotten any satisfaction my next step would be the child protective services in you county.

Diane - posted on 04/03/2012

That sounds horrendous, Roseva and myheart goes out to you and your son. Have you spoken to the headteacher about your concerns. That is usually the first port of call if there are serious concerns about the way the teacher is managing the classroom. If you're getting no joy there, you need to contact the local office of your education department. They will have procedures for dealing with complaints such as these. These situations are very rare and I hope it is resolved as soon as possible for you.



best wishes

Jennifer - posted on 04/03/2012

I will be honest I didn't read all of the posts, but have you taken him to a counselor not associated with the school. I would request a written report of the counselor's findings. This should get the principal's attention. If this doesn't work, I would take it to the school board. Good luck!

TINA - posted on 04/03/2012

I would call child protective services. That is illegal and child abuse. No one has the right to grab yell or hurt your child. School sould be a place that they feel safe and secure to go to to learn and grow. I would also have a meeting with the district and metion a lawyer so that they know that they you are serious. Document everything and take pictures. I hope you can get this taken care of.

Shelley - posted on 04/03/2012

Can I interest you in homeschooling? You'll find hundreds (thousands) of parents who have had it with this kind of abuse and indifference to these stories by administration now thriving in a peaceful and family centered approach to education.



http://www.homeedmag.com/gettingstarted....

Cynthia - posted on 04/03/2012

My heart goes out to you regarding your concerns. That being said and just playing devil’s advocate, is there any possibility he may be being bullied by some kid at school and is being threatened if he tells, thus he's transferring said actions to the teacher in question? Just a thought is all.

Jennifer - posted on 04/03/2012

I am so sorry you don't have the school principles support with this. That is a big problem. It has nothing to do with whether or not the teacher ever raises her voice, it's a child terrified to go to school. I am so angry for you! It's the kids the principle and the teachers are supposed to be keeping safe.

Jessica - posted on 04/03/2012

If the school is unwilling to help u, call the police. The teacher is an abuser telling your son to keep secrets about how he really gets hurt.

Nina - posted on 04/03/2012

Time to go mama bear on them. He is transferred out of that room or you will take it to the school superintendant. If that doesn't work, tell them you have documented all of this and you will take it to the media. The last thing they want is bad PR.

Beatrice - posted on 04/03/2012

You need to look into this. There is something going on with that teacher and the staff. I would get a hold of the School board and report them, on how they have handled this situation.

Jennifer - posted on 04/03/2012

I'm sorry but if someone was treating my child this way, my first instinct would be to go to the cops. But realistically a parent, teacher, principle meeting is in order. No way is a child acting like that about going to school for no reason. And yes people this is abuse. No adult has any business laying a finger on a kid.

Naomi - posted on 04/03/2012

You need to get a conference with the administration. Tell them what is going on. You need to start there. Make sure you have a confernce with both the teacher and adminstrator. Get the school counsoler involved also. Unfortunately you have to start there. I would also make surprise viists to the classroom. I would also start talkng to other parents to see if thier children are experiencing the same thing.



i had a similar situation this year and i myself am a school teacher. You need those take those steps in order to get results. Luckily, my son is not afraid anymore and he enjoys going to school again.



Good luck

Sandra - posted on 04/03/2012

Definitely talk to the Principal, set up a meeting with the principal and the teacher and if there is a social worker at the school all at the same time make sure at the meeting everything is documented what is being said, also sit down and discuss with your child before you have this meeting and talk to him find out what is happening in the classroom what ever you do don't get frustrated with him he most likely won't open up right away, just be there and talk with him. before you go into the meeting, I would also contact the Superintendent of Schools for that district and explain what is going on and why nothing is really being done to help this child. No Teacher has the right to grab or touch and even scream and yell at a child. What I want to know why hasn't the principal done anything about this? It is the principals responsibility to keep our children safe while in school. This teacher should not be working with children if this teacher can't control his/herself. School is suppose to be a fun and educational and safe place for our children, no child should be scared to go to school for fear of what might happen to them. You need to make sure to fight for your child, when you go into that meeting I'm not saying that they will do this but when you go into the meeting there might be the chance that they might just give the teacher a slap on the wrist and say don't do it again, that is where you need to make it a point that isn't good enough, Your Child has rights and you need to exercise those right for him, remember to keep your cool in the meeting and stick to the point and topic you will be surprised at how the topic tries to change at some of the meetings and then everything you are fighting for falls to the wayside.. I am just saying from a mother of 4 that has had many meetings with staff/faculty from my children's school. I have a child with special needs, so I document everything that is going on and that has been said at every meeting.. I hope this helps abit :)

Brandi - posted on 04/03/2012

Every state has an Abuse Hotline. If you call and make a report, the Sheriff's Office will conduct a formal investigation. Chances are that your son is not the first or last child to be victimized by this teacher. I'm not sure which state you are in, but FL Abuse Hotline is 1-800-96-ABUSE.

Maureen - posted on 04/03/2012

First, go to the principal and report all of this. If not satisfied, go to the superintendent of schools in your district. You can also report this abuse to the police. This teacher should NOT be teaching!

Melanie - posted on 04/03/2012

I would SOOOOO get a news team in on this. That would get some action going. This teacher has no business working with small children. Get her in on some high school kids and see how she fares. They will eat her alive.

Katina - posted on 04/03/2012

I would suggest that you first speak with the teacher and have your child present. If you cannot come to a resolution, then the principal and so on. As parents, we have to know our children. We also have to consider the other side of the story. When children are distressed they do not always tell the whole story. Your child is, and justifiably so, having some issues because he was moved to another classroom. No one likes change. The difference in personalities of the teachers could also be a problem. One teacher may just be louder than the other, it does not mean the teacher actually yelled at your son. Now, the scratches, really? Kids get injured all the time, scratches, bumps, etc. I would be concerned that the child said it was a secret for why he could not tell you, but this does not have to be a secret about the teacher, it could be another student. I think everyone involved needs to take a minute, have a conversation, and deal with the issue. There are several ways to interpret what you wrote, you did not give a great deal of information but before you go calling social services and trying to get a teacher in trouble with the board make sure you have facts and not just supplication. We should not just blindly defend our children. They are capable of misbehaving and of justifiable disciplining by the teacher as well. Just get all the facts before you jump to the drastic because you do not want to come out looking crazy.

Cami - posted on 04/03/2012

Our school district welcomes calls & appointments with the superintendent if you cannot get satisfaction from the school. When I had an issue over extreme punishment, the superintendent intervened for a complete investigation.



You are your child's best advocate! Pursue this until you have all of your answers

Becky - posted on 04/03/2012

Have you gone to the teacher? If you haven't, you should probably try going into the classroom and talking to her. Then, if that doesn't help, or you are not comfortable doing that (personally I would be afraid that I would scream at her and scratch her up) you should go to the principal who is her direct supervisor. If you do that and nothing is done (and if the teacher is physically abusing the children in her classroom she needs to lose her job) you go to the superintendent and then if nothing continues to be done to the school board. You need to find out what is going on from someone other than your 5 year old. Have the speech teacher check in on him. Also, you are entitled to drop in whenever you want. If you want to know what is going on, drop in at various times of the day and week unexpectedly.

EHChgo - posted on 04/03/2012

Parents have to have a 0 tolerance for this. Sorry I just feel very strongly about it

Stacey - posted on 04/03/2012

First of all you are the parent and they had no right to transfer him unless you consented. next go to the principals office and do not leave until you meet with him/her and tell him what has happened. I am a teacher and it is never ok to force a child to physically do anything...and he is obviously being verbally abused. Also I would tell the teacher you are going to sit in the back of the classroom to observe what is happening. Call the police if you feel nothing is being done and make a report,

EHChgo - posted on 04/03/2012

Do not hesitate to contact he school districts main office. If you get no where get to the board - if you still get now where go to the media.

Crystal - posted on 04/03/2012

I would definately talk with the principal again, sit and observe the class or have another parent do it for you. I used to be a preschool teacher and I have seen things like that take place in a classroom. There was a parent to come into a classroom to pick up there child and watch another child hit there child. No matter what she emmediately called CPS. There was an investigation as to why this specific child repeatedly would hit this child, because yes it happened more then once to this child by the same abusive child. On the schools behalf each incident was documented. At the end of the investigastion that mother pulled her child from the school and the school stood a chance of loosing their credidation and both their principal and Assistant principal. I know that its the teacher in question in your case, but each step you take to protect your child from that teacher, school or other children is whats best for your son. Definately document everything, take pics of your sons marks whether they have been documented through the school or not and make sure that everytime your son comes to you scared or has a mark you tell the principal and let her know that incidents are still accuring and that you have documents to prove it all and that you intend on taking it above her head to the school board. Im sure she will be willing to cooporate then. I wish you all the best and I pray that with you doing all you can by being there for your son in every way possible you will have a great outcome. We need more moms like you that will stand up and fight no matter the cost. Good Luck and best wishes.

Susan - posted on 04/03/2012

have you talked to headmaster/headmisstress,or other parents whos children are going though the same as your child,it might be a good idea to pick your son up from school and have a chat with mothers of children in the same class as your son,this cant go on, as going to school are the most important days of his life and should be a pleasant time for him,he the teacher shouts other children will have spoken to thier parents, good luck to you,if this cant be resolved consider moving schools

Angela - posted on 04/03/2012

We HAVE to listen to our children!!! I think you are absolutely doing the right thing by demanding he be put back in his original classroom. Children do NOT refuse to go to school because they'd rather be sitting at home..............there is usually a very good reason for the refusal. I work in the school system and believe that teachers have less accountability for their behavior now than they ever have. They are being held to higher academic standards by the state and fed government and I think a lot of them resent being told what to do. Unfortunately, they end up taking it out on the children. Don't give up....keep going until you find the person who will honestly listen to you and help your child. I have shed so many tears over the issues with my daughter but I'm not going to give up. Good luck!! Keep us posted.

Erin - posted on 04/02/2012

I agree that an investigation does need to happen but no child needs to be left in a place that is or even could be an abusive environment. That will set up the possibility of further harm, most likely emotional so there are no visual marks. I know that there are a lot of good teachers out there. There are a lot of teachers out there that have no business being responsible for the care of a child also. Once there is an indication of possible harm to a child from an adult, remove the child from harm, then investigate. As for observing, yeah right. I know how that goes. Kids behave when adults are around; adults are no different. They know how to act when they know they are being watched. I’ve watched them myself without them knowing. When I walk into the room of the teacher I heard from inside my classroom from five doors down the hall with doors closed, she changes. I know who it was doing the screaming. I’m not stupid. I know kids act differently at school than they do at home. A lot of parents are delusional when it comes to the behavior of their own child. No matter how a CHILD acts, ADULTS need to act like ADULTS and stop putting their hands on a child in any way other than in a caring manner. Any adult that yells, pulls, or hits a child, has lost self-control. Look up the definition of violence. Put video cameras in all classrooms and allow parents and school officials access. Daycares do it; why not public schools? Don’t tell me it has anything to do with privacy laws or cost because there are cameras in all of the halls already. I believe the only people against it would be the ones that have something to hide. Not only will our children be safer but the teachers will be as well.

Richelle - posted on 04/02/2012

The part that really bothers me is that he came home with an injury and when asked about it he said that he was told that it was a secret. That is classic abusive behavior, and far beyond any perception miscommunication. You are right to keep him out of that class. I hope the school will work with you and see that particular teacher has some serious issues.



For those who think that a 5 year old can lie, sure, they can lie to a certain extent, but the problems that Roseva has outlined here go beyond what a 5 year old can fabricate. It definitely sounds like the situation has gone well beyond the point that it is a simple miscommunication and discomfort about being in a new room.

Mary - posted on 04/02/2012

I just read a post on this thread that floors me. The person said that a five-year-old does not know how to lie. That must mean that the little ones who tell stories to try to stay out of trouble are terribly precocious. Don't kid yourself! Little ones (even younger than five) are capable of lying. We had a neighbor who was in the morning kindergarten group; the first day of school he decided to go back to school on another bus and go to a different teacher's class and gave his name as someone else (fictional). Little Stevie was already capable of lying on the first day of kinder!! Don't believe that a five-year-old is not capable!!