What Can Parents Do If a Paraprofessional Uses Physical Discipline on Their Child with Special Needs?

It’s distressing when a paraprofessional uses physical discipline, like smacking, on a child with special needs during a school activity.

 

Federal and state laws, including IDEA, prohibit corporal punishment in special education settings, especially for behaviors tied to disabilities like autism. Document the incident with details, like the date and context of the writing activity, and report it to the school principal and special education coordinator immediately.

 

Request an IEP meeting to discuss the incident, ensure staff training on positive behavior interventions, and add safeguards to the child’s IEP, like a behavior plan.

 

Contact your state’s Department of Education to file a complaint if the school doesn’t respond adequately. Connect with parent advocacy groups for support and legal referrals.

 

If concerns persist, consult a special education attorney to protect the child’s rights. VillageED’s IEP development resources guide parents through advocacy: https://www.villageed.org/iep-development.