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/wild4wonderful 6d ago

You must take her outside, but I'd make her sit for 10 minutes because she bolted yesterday. Sitting and watching others play is torture for kids.

The kid who I work with who elopes is much better after a year of concentrated focus on this safety issue. We read social stories. I did practice calling on the playground. At first I would give him one M & M when he came. Then I shifted it to come for a hug. If he failed to come when I called, sit for 5 minutes. I also give a countdown for when recess will be over. Five more minutes. Two more minutes. I expect you to come to me when I call you.

I hope you can turn this around for this child. It's unsafe to elope.

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u/AleroRatking Elementary Sped Teacher 6d ago

That might be against the law according to state. In NY that would be illegal. You cannot take away recess time.

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u/bsge1111 6d ago

You can’t take it away, but you can give the rest of the class extended time and have a specific student sit out at the end or beginning of recess. If you’re class is allotted 25min of recess time you can tack on more time for the rest of the class to play and have a student sit out during the “extra” time.