Case
Home Alone

A child's parents have chosen the child to stay in virtual learning due to COVID concerns. Yet, the teacher is constantly concerned that the child age 6 is home alone all day while learning virtually. There have been many issues with the child asking the teacher if they should answer the front door when the doorbell rang how to turn off the stove and that they were scared of the bad weather outside. The child hasn't said their home alone and won't answer the teacher when he/she asks if his/her parents are home. The teacher isn't sure what to do and is concerned for the child's safety given the constant alarming questions which are now interfering with the teacher's ability to teach. What should the teacher do?

Posted on: 10/06/20 | Views: 343
Solution #1
Top Solution
This situation should not be handled independently by the teacher. If there are concerns for the child's wellbeing, the school social worker should be notified. The teacher could also reach out to the parents, offering support and providing resources if requested. All students would also benefit from engaging in a safety lesson and/or activity, learning ways in which they can keep themselves safe both at home and in the real world.

I agree! Getting help from the school social worker and/or administration is a must!

I agree that a school social worker should be involved

If I was a teacher I'll get school social worker involved.

I agree, this is how I would handle this situation.

Support and providing resources is a great point!

Yes I agree, having someone in more power would be good for this.

26 0
Solution #2
This is a sensitive topic because parents still need to go to work and they may not have the means to hire someone to be with the child, however it is a safety issue to have a child so young be by themselves. I think reaching out to the parents/ guardians in a non-judgmental way is the best approach. Voice your concerns about the safety of the student and offer them community resources/ organizations that can help. Also, speaking with administration would be necessary and getting feedback on what the proper way to handle this issue would be if it keeps occurring.

I agree, reaching out in a non-judgemental way is very important. The teacher doesn't need or want the parents to get angry.

If I was a teacher I try watching for students safety but try not to be too judgemental.

I agree, this is a good solution.

11 2
Solution #3
Inform the principle about the situation and ask for assistance. They are here to help, before you reach out to the parent. If approved, you can reach out to the parent and ask if the student is being left home alone, but relate to school work rather than safety reasons.

If I was teacher reaching out to the school principle can help weighing out options.

I think this is smart, normally a principal would have your back and even contact the parent with you.

2 0
Solution #4
This can be a sensitive subject but the first thing I would do is try to get the school's social worker involved and their opinion on it. At some point, I would try to discuss with the parents your concerns and maybe ways you could help.

If I was a teacher I wouldnt approach school social worker until I know for sure the student is home alone.

1 0
Solution #5
The teacher should reach out to all the parents and ask how it is going. The teacher should also contact the school administration and see what the policies are and how to go about the situation. I think the teacher should then reach out to the students parents and voice her concern in an appropriate way.

If I was a teacher I would see what are the school policies.

Yes, you need to be aware of any school policies for this.

2 1
Solution #6
This is a very serious situation that could be dangerous. Talk to the parents for sure firstly if the student is not answering you. If that does not work, try to contact the administrators of the virtual learning site.

If I was a teacher I would have to reach out to the parent and help with resources.

1 0
Solution #7
Contact the school guidance counselor or social worker to find out the next steps. A home visit may be necessary to see if the student is in fact home alone. My step son is 8 and had a tendency for bending the truth when he was younger. If this student is truly home alone consistently, the situation needs to be escalated. Make sure to follow up with guidance/social worker to assure something is being done.
1 0
Solution #8
In this situation, school administration should be informed. It's better to be safe and make sure that the student is being cared for.
0 0
Solution #9
I would start to bring it to a higher up .
0 0
Solution #10
YOu should contact the parents to set up a meeting to discuss the matter
0 0
Solution #11
I would report this to admin
0 0
Solution #12
This definitely seems like a situation that needs more than just the teacher. I would reach out to a social assistant or another member of staff or try and contact the parents
0 0
Solution #13
I think this is a problem that needs to be brought up to administration for them to contact the parent. I think you could also incorporate an "At Home Safety Lesson" to try and prepare that student and possibly any others who are in similar situations.
0 0
Solution #14
I would definitely get someone from your administration to help you handle this type of situation. they will ensure you are taking the right steps for your concerns.
0 0
Solution #15
Speak to a social worker immediately. A Childs well dare is definitely at risk and it must be handled per school protocol.
0 0
Solution #16
Reaching out to the parents or guardians should be the teacher's first step to make sure they are actually home. If there are concerns of the child's well-being the school social worker and administrators should be informed so they can step in as well.

I definitely agree the parent should be contacted but so should a social worker or administration.

I definitely agree the parent should be contacted but so should a social worker or administration.

0 0
Solution #17
The teacher needs to alert someone in administration as they should not handle this situation alone. By not responding they are breaking their code of ethics, as the child might be in danger. It is best to alert administration as to what the next steps should be.
0 0
Solution #18
The teacher should contact the parents to make sure that they are aware of this concern. A child of this age should not be home alone and dangers such as the doorbell ringing could potentially mean life or death. The teacher should make sure the parents are home or someone is supervising the child.
0 0
Solution #19
The teacher should (hopefully) have some form of contact for the child's parents and reach out to them about their concerns. The child is probably being told by the parents not to answer the teacher about being home alone or not, if they are in fact alone. In this situation I would definitely reach out to the parents, and if it keeps happening, maybe to a larger, more legal source.
0 0
Solution #20
The teacher should record the lesson for evidence. She should then talk with the school's administration to discuss what the best option is. One option could be to call a parent conference and show the parent what the teacher is experiencing. This will involve all parties and it will be most beneficial when helping that child. If the parent refuses, you should unfortunately call child protective services so they can make sure that the child is safe.
0 0
Solution #21
I would first try to contact and reach out to the parents and address concerns with them. If this does not work further action may need to be taken. That truly is a concerning situation so I think it is important to try to talk with the parents before taking any action with administration or other agencies.
0 0
Solution #22
I would ask the administration what the best course of action would be.
0 0
Solution #23
The best and safest decision on both ends is to have the teacher handle the situation, do not become involved with this. They should work with a social worker to help get the best help for the student to make sure they are safe and taken care of.
0 0
Solution #24
I think the teacher should discuss this issue with administration to find out what the teacher should do.

If I was a teacher I would speak to counseling first.

1 2
Solution #25
In this case I think it would be a good time to "punt the ball." This should be addressed by someone with the proper ability and resources to do so. The teacher is in their classroom, so their ability to properly address this is nil.

As a teacher I would follow he correct protocol.

0 2
Solution #26
Let the school administration do a home visit

I agree doing a home visit can help finding out if parent is home,

Yes, if the evidence is that alarming then a home visit is in order.

1 4