I just want to get some opinions on this... my dh says that I am over reacting again. I volunteer in my ds kindergarden class once a week. However, I am in the hallway working on projects with the kids one on one. Twice now since I have started volunteering the teacher has left 20 kids alone in the class room to go to the office and was gone for several mintues.
Is this acceptable to leave kids unattended???
The table that parent helpers use is located out in the hallway a little down from her classroom. The speach thearpist's office is located next to the classroom. Then our little table. I didn't not see her leave the room and ask someone else to watch over the students. She also did not say anything to me like I'm leaving could you go in the class and keep an eye on things.
One girl came out crying looking for the teacher (minor thing another little girl didn't want to be her reading buddy). Two other kids came out and where asking the girl I was working with a bunch of questions... I finally told them to go back into the room and leave her complete the assignment.
Another reason why I worry so is my ds has a severe peanut allergy. Therefore, the teacher has a fanny pack with his epi-pen located inside. This fanny pack is left in the classroom during most of the day, but does travel for lunch and recess. What if a child decided to be curious???
I haven't said anything yet as I don't want to be labeled "That Mom", but I am a little concerned about the lack of supervision.
This teacher is not a young teacher by any means... She has been teaching kindergarden for 12 years.... So I hate to question her judgement....but if it were her child would she feel the same?
It shouldn't be,but I know that it happens...my son is in 5th grade, and they still are not responsible enough at that age to behave when left unattended...Chase had to go get help from another teacher once a few weeks ago when his class got out of hand while the teacher was gone making copies..he and 2 girls tried to get the kids under control but when they failed they went and got the next door teacher.
Speak to the principal and see what the policies are on this at your school...it may be that the principal is being told that you are in charge at those times...
This is a hard one... No I do not think it is okay to leave kindergardners by themselfes. Your child one child might be okay for 5 minutes but you put a room full of kids this age together and trouble is bound to happen. I think you should discuss this with the teacher before you go above her head. Good luck!She is setting herself up for a lawsuit. If someting happens while she is gone she is liable and in big trouble. Is she a young ( or new) teacher? I also would talk with the teacher about this...she could lose her teaching certificate if something happened....There are times when a teacher does need to leave the room, however, she needs to get someone to watch the class. Do you think it is possible that she asked the teacher next door to keep an eye on the class.?Or does this teacher think you are in charge while he/she is gone? That is a tough one for you do not want to stir the pot so to speak either and make things harder for your son.Public schools are responsible to keep all children safe while on the school premises. When a teacher has to leave the room for any amount of time, they are supposed to get an adult to cover the class until they return. I would think such a law applys in general for minors, especially young children.well in my school we have parapro's that are in the K rooms. But if a teacher has to leave the room for a moment or use the restroom, normally another teacher keeps an eye on them from the next room, if you were outside the door I dont see how that would hurt. I have never left my classroom at any time unless someone else was in my room.I think your worries are warrented but the situation is definitly sensitive. I don't know how you should handle it with the teacher but I think something should be said in a positive manner. Good Luck!Maybe you could network with the other moms in the class and ask what they think about it.