very violent child at our home-school co-op UPDATE - Page 4

[AAK]

Originally Posted by Smithie

What I did for my son was to hire a shadow. His major problem was running away from the classroom, but as a side benefit, the shadow was there to intervene whenever he had violent impulse. If I were you, I'd wait until the next violent outburst, and then when the hand-wringing committee convenes, suggest that a shadow be hired. If the parents can't/won't pay, then they might have to leave the co-op, but your desire to not pitch this child onto the street when you see him making progress at your school is a GOOD thing. Don't be ashamed of that!

That is a great idea! I think a "hired shadow" might be better than the parent in this case. Also, it gives them a choice to make.

Amy

[dogretro]

That really stinks that they put you on the spot like that! I, too, would have probably crumbled, it was not right.

I think it would be totally appropriate to say that you believe the boy should be suspended until the family gets him into counseling. They would need to bring in a note from the counselor saying that the boy was in fact being seen. Then, he could come back. I would also tell the board (or the head of it) that I did not at all appreciated being put on the spot like that. It showed a lack of professionalism to also not have a decision in place as to what to do regarding violence. If the child's behaviour did not improve, again, I do not think it would be unreasonable to say that he needed a TSS (therapeutic support staff) person to come to class w/ him. TSS's are used in many daycares, pre-schools, and regular schools. Just b/c you are a co-op school does not make you any less of a school authority IMO. Good luck!