Special Needs Son Put in ‘Time-Out Room’ at Long Island School
In a heart-wrenching tale of a mother’s discovery about her special needs son’s treatment at a Long Island school, Nicole Miller was stunned when her 10-year-old son, Cooper, drew a picture of his school with bars over the front door. When questioned, Cooper revealed that the school forced him to go to a room, leaving his mother reeling with confusion and concern. The room, known as a de-escalation room or time-out room, was used as a tool to help Cooper, who is a special needs student, calm down due to his behavioral issues.
Legal and Ethical Questions Surrounding the Use of Time-Out Rooms
According to state law, time-out rooms should only be used in situations that pose an immediate concern for the physical safety of the student or others. However, Susan Deedy, a special education attorney, highlighted the misuse of these rooms, emphasizing that they should be a last resort and not a punitive measure. She expressed concerns about the lack of clear requirements on school districts, leading to potential errors in judgment.
Deedy suggested alternative interventions, such as giving students choices, visuals, redirection, or planned ignoring, rather than resorting to seclusion rooms. She emphasized the importance of positive, proactive intervention strategies to address behavioral issues effectively.
Parental Shock and Advocacy for Change
Nicole Miller’s shock was palpable when she discovered the reality of the time-out room her son was placed in. Describing it as a jail cell, she felt betrayed by the system and vowed to advocate for change. Commack Schools defended their use of time-out rooms, stating that interventions were outlined in behavior improvement plans and that students requested to remain in the space for extended periods with adult supervision.
Records revealed a significant number of instances of time-out room usage in the Commack School District, raising concerns about the impact on students’ well-being. Michael Wilson, an expert in education rights, highlighted the negative effects of seclusion on students, exacerbating their underlying issues and causing traumatic responses.
Call for Reform and Transparency
As the debate over the use of time-out rooms intensifies, parents like Nicole Miller are calling for a reevaluation of these practices in schools. With changing reporting requirements and increased awareness, the need for transparency and accountability in handling special needs students’ behavior is more critical than ever. Cooper’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment for all students, regardless of their needs.