LOCATION: Michigan
I just started a new job at an elementary school and came across this closet-like room. My coworker said it’s called the “Boom room” and kids are put there for time out. The room this closet is in is for kids with special needs, I’m not sure what grade. I was told this school is pre-k to 3rd grade, so very young kids.
I’m wondering if it’s legal to put special needs children in here. If it is legal, what qualifies this action?
Things to note: No furniture in the closet. No padding on the walls. Lock on the outside of the door. The door is a lockable “Dutch door” or split door.
Edit: Just clarifying some information! I’m a 2nd shift custodian, so I have never actually witnessed a child being put in here, so the only reason I have to believe that children are put in here is what my coworker said.
Once I come into work today I’m going to ask my other coworker, they’ve worked here longer than my other one, about the closet room. I might ask the teacher about it as well if they’re still there by the time I get there for my shift. I’m a bit iffy asking teachers and other staff because I don’t want to put my job at risk, but this situation could be terrible so I want to get all the information I can. I will update once I’m able to get more info!!
Final update/edit: THE CLOSET DOES NOT LOCK!!! I had asked my other coworker about the room and she called it a calming room, but was also concerned about the lock. During my run, I decided to see if the door would actually lock and it didn’t. No matter how hard I pressed, or how I wiggled the door, it didn’t lock. So we got our answer: this room can’t lock kids in it, thank fucking goodness.
I also wanted to say how grateful I am with the responses this post got!! I got an informational comment very quick so I was able to start figuring out what to do about the closet fast. I never thought this post would get as popular as it did!! Thank you all!!
Okay, bye bye, have fun guys!