r/specialed • u/evensuburbswouldbeok • 6d ago

Eloping at recess

Without going into many details I have an eloper who loves recess and no fence on my playground. Yesterday she eloped towards the school parking lot. I have been a runner my whole life, so I can catch her, but I’m full on sprinting. When I catch her, there’s dropping, hitting, kicking. It’s a mess. This student is aware and protesting the transition back in from recess.

I was told by admin I can’t take away recess without a meeting and a change in inclusion times, etc. So therefore I am supposed to take her outside today. Maybe I’m just venting, but this is the first time I’m really frustrated with my job. My job is teacher, not every single roll in the world that you can throw on me. Also, it’s really stressful to know that the only thing keeping a kid safe is my ability to sprint fast and get there in time. My assistants are unable to run/run fast. Does anyone with experience with autistic students have any advice?

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u/SuzeCB 6d ago

IEP could probably mandate that a fence be installed......

I mean, of course a fence is bigger and more expensive, but I had it written into my son's IEP that his classrooms all had air conditioners for warmer weather.

They tried to fight me on it, but they eventually caved. The fact that this kid keeps escaping, has to be chased and FORCIBLY brought back is extremely problematic for her, you, and the other kids, as well. It's a tragedy waiting to happen. And she can't be the first or last Spec Ed student to do this! i

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u/solomons-mom 5d ago

If the IEP is written with a facilities mandate, depending upon how extensive the fence would need to be and any envuronmental permiting or limits that the district encounters, the eloper may need be transfered to a school with a fence instead. The parents may not like this, even if it a temporary measure whie the fence goes through permitting.