A six year old child who has been diagnosed with having severe autism was bitten at school by a substitute teacher. The substitute reportedly bit the child on the arm in the presence of two other teachers who reported the incident. Palm Beach County Schools have issued statements claiming that the situation is upsetting to them, and that this was the first time that particular substitute has worked in their district. An investigation is underway by both the school system and the police.
According to the child’s mother he will not be returning to the school, she claims that he is very scared and while he cannot explain how he feels he won’t let anyone touch his hand where he was bitten.
This is leading to a great deal of controversy and wondering on the part of parents who have children who attend the school concerning the vetting of this substitute teacher. What sort of education or experience could she have to believe that biting a student; much less a disabled student would be appropriate behavior?
What sort of training and background check do the teachers in this school district have before they are accepted as full time or substitute teachers? What are the chances that a substitute with no experience with disabled children would be sent into a disabled classroom? Special education teachers are a well trained group of individuals who are not only qualified to be teacher, but are qualified to deal with the physical and mental challenges required for their positions. A home maker who wants to make some money by being a substitute teacher should never ever be allowed to teach a disabled group of children except as an aide or assistant.
