Seclusion and Restraint
Seclusion and restraint are options that are used for severe behavior problems. A teacher or administrator can only place their hands on a student if the student is harming himself/ herself, someone else, or property (such as computers or iPads). This should be used as a last resort. There are three types of restraint, physical, chemical, and mechanical. The most common one used is physical restraint. During physical restraint one or two adults holds the student in a safe position in order for the student to stop being destructive, and to allow them to calm down.
Seclusion takes places in a special room at the school. Seclusion is used as a safe place for a student to cool down and gather his or her thoughts and emotions. Seclusion should not be used often or for a long period of time. A student in elementary school should not be in seclusion for longer than 15 minutes. A middle school student should not be in seclusion for longer than 20 minutes.
It is very important to debrief after a seclusion or restraint. The teacher should debrief with the student, and the teacher should debrief with administration. In addition, you must report the seclusion or restraint to parents and administration.
Seclusion takes places in a special room at the school. Seclusion is used as a safe place for a student to cool down and gather his or her thoughts and emotions. Seclusion should not be used often or for a long period of time. A student in elementary school should not be in seclusion for longer than 15 minutes. A middle school student should not be in seclusion for longer than 20 minutes.
It is very important to debrief after a seclusion or restraint. The teacher should debrief with the student, and the teacher should debrief with administration. In addition, you must report the seclusion or restraint to parents and administration.