Other teachers concerned about DC’s teacher

[Anonymous]

My DC just transitioned classrooms at his child care. Several of his teachers, both classroom and floaters, indicated concern about one of the teachers in his current classroom. They indicated she was inattentive and potentially neglectful. DC has come home recently with unexplained bruises. My DH took pictures of hem and asked the teacher who had no explanation. Last week, a new teacher approached me and told me she had reported the main classroom teacher to the administration for inattentive behavior and handilong the children inappropriately. Additionally, DC’s former teacher, who is very shy and quiet approached me that she found the teacher’s behavior erratic and hyper. For example, she will often move children from classroom in order to take breaks and visit in other classrooms. It gives parents the impression that there is a staffing shortage and the teachers typically take an hour lunch break, not frequent small breaks throughout the day. The teacher seemed to indicate to me that she thought the current teacher had a mental health issue and or substance abuse problem.

The teacher has been out of the classroom for close to three weeks. When I brought it up, the other teachers indicated she was placed on disciplinary leave or potentially fired. I asked the director and was told she was on medical leave. Today, I asked the assistant director and was told that the teacher has interpersonal issues and is on indefinite leave. They do not have a return to work date and that is all they can disclose.

I’m now very concerned about my DC being with someone who is potentially unstable or under the influence. I have reason to believe that the teacher has both based on some odd interactions and her appearance. I have a background is pysychology and addiction counseling. What would you do? My other child goes to the same center and we love it and have been very happy with the teachers and curriculum.

[Anonymous]

The teacher isn't there right now, so why are you worried? It sounds like the center responded to the complaints. She's on indefinite leave, so she's not coming back any time soon.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My DC just transitioned classrooms at his child care. Several of his teachers, both classroom and floaters, indicated concern about one of the teachers in his current classroom. They indicated she was inattentive and potentially neglectful. DC has come home recently with unexplained bruises. My DH took pictures of hem and asked the teacher who had no explanation. Last week, a new teacher approached me and told me she had reported the main classroom teacher to the administration for inattentive behavior and handilong the children inappropriately. Additionally, DC’s former teacher, who is very shy and quiet approached me that she found the teacher’s behavior erratic and hyper. For example, she will often move children from classroom in order to take breaks and visit in other classrooms. It gives parents the impression that there is a staffing shortage and the teachers typically take an hour lunch break, not frequent small breaks throughout the day. The teacher seemed to indicate to me that she thought the current teacher had a mental health issue and or substance abuse problem.

The teacher has been out of the classroom for close to three weeks. When I brought it up, the other teachers indicated she was placed on disciplinary leave or potentially fired. I asked the director and was told she was on medical leave. Today, I asked the assistant director and was told that the teacher has interpersonal issues and is on indefinite leave. They do not have a return to work date and that is all they can disclose.

I’m now very concerned about my DC being with someone who is potentially unstable or under the influence. I have reason to believe that the teacher has both based on some odd interactions and her appearance. I have a background is pysychology and addiction counseling. What would you do? My other child goes to the same center and we love it and have been very happy with the teachers and curriculum.

OP, it doesn't sound like your son was in this person's care for very long and since she is currently on indefinite leave, it doesn't sound like he is currently in danger. What exactly is your concern? They are not going to share the personal circumstances of this person with you, regardless of your background. If the teacher comes back to work there (which frankly is unlikely) and you are still concerned about your son being in her care, make decisions about transitions then. Right now, focus on building rapport with the teachers who are left and the new teacher so that you can trust that they will continue to report things to you that are of concern.

[Anonymous]

OP, your post doesn't make much sense. You say that your DC recently had bruises, and that the teacher was known for moving children around in order to take inappropriate breaks. Then you say that teacher was placed on leave 3 weeks ago. Are you referring to the teacher on leave or to a different teacher? What is your concern?

[Anonymous]

It sounds like they recognize there was an issue and are getting rid of her.

[Anonymous]

I would express concern to the administration about this teacher’s possible return. Tell them your experience, your concerns about that teacher, and make it known that you do not want her as your child’s teacher in the future.

[Anonymous]

How scary, OP, that your child was cared for by someone not in control of themselves! And there were bruises! Ugh.

Although it seems as if the daycare doesn't want this person back, you also need to insist on it, so they are aware the parents are fully resistant to a return.

As for the potential abuse, it would depend on the severity of the bruising. This person could be arrested and go to jail, if it's bad.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How scary, OP, that your child was cared for by someone not in control of themselves! And there were bruises! Ugh.

Although it seems as if the daycare doesn't want this person back, you also need to insist on it, so they are aware the parents are fully resistant to a return.

As for the potential abuse, it would depend on the severity of the bruising. This person could be arrested and go to jail, if it's bad.

Well, both my kids are always covered in bruises, mostly unexplained. It's what kids do.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How scary, OP, that your child was cared for by someone not in control of themselves! And there were bruises! Ugh.

Although it seems as if the daycare doesn't want this person back, you also need to insist on it, so they are aware the parents are fully resistant to a return.

As for the potential abuse, it would depend on the severity of the bruising. This person could be arrested and go to jail, if it's bad.

Well, both my kids are always covered in bruises, mostly unexplained. It's what kids do.

My kid comes home bloody half the time. "Did you fall down?" "I don't know." "It looks like you skinned your knee." "I guess."

[Anonymous]

The bruises on their own wouldn't concern me unless there was some indication that something specific had happened--my kids both came home from preschool regularly covered in bruises and could maybe explain a third of them.

The concerns of the other teachers would be very disturbing, though. However, it sounds like the administration is aware of the problem and is dealing with it, so not sure there is really much else to do--if nothing has happened to your child and you haven't personally observed an issue, you can't report it based simply on their concerns.

The most helpful thing for you might be to connect to other parents in the new room to find out more about their experiences. If the teacher does return they will be your best allies in getting the administration to deal with any future issues.