SILVER CREEK, N.Y. — Images of what's being called a "de-escalation room" at Silver Creek Elementary School are raising concerns from parents over students’ safety.
According to the New York State Education Department, a "de-escalation room," or a "time-out room," is a place for a child to go in order to cool off when experiencing high emotions or aggression.
Images released by the Silver Creek Central School District show a room with a bed, cinder block walls, windows and laminate flooring. Families are alleging that children have been placed in the room alone and that the room does not meet standards for a "time out room."
According to NYSED regulations, some of the rules of a "time-out room" include:
- Time-out rooms must be used alongside a behavioral intervention plan in order to remove student from a potentially dangerous situation
- They must be supervised
- Room cannot be locked
- Student’s IEP should indicate a max amount of time
- Parents should be informed if their student’s plan involves a time-out room and parent should have an opportunity to tour the room first
- Room should be big enough to allow a student to move about freely and recline
- Must have wall and floor coverings to prevent injury
- Have adequate lighting and ventilation
- Be kept at a comfortable temperature
- Should be clean and free of objects that could present danger
- School must document use of time-out room
Psychologists say a room like the one at Silver Creek Elementary School could easily be confused as punishment.
“It needs to be comfortable,” said Dr. Rudy Nydegger, a clinical psychologist who specializes in children and adolescents. “It needs to be a place where there’s not excess stimulation, but it also is not isolating and cold.”
Crandall said the room is not in use at this time as an investigation is underway. His full statement can be read below.
