Tracy: There is a student in first grade that is dangerous to himself and others. The teacher and other students in class, and other first grade classrooms have been hurt. The class has had to make quick emergency exits from classroom for safety reasons.
The student does get assistance from another teacher for about 1 hour a day, unless there is testing or something that prevents the other teacher from coming in the classroom.
What can be done to make sure my child is safe in this classroom? May I request my child be moved from that classroom? I really like the teacher, but she cannot protect all the students.
First of all, I would hope that this child is on an IEP and getting appropriate behavioral supports. One hour per day of assistance for him is definitely not enough. This child needs to have 1:1 support with a very concrete positive behavioral plan. I would also guess that he probably has a learning disability which could be part of the cause of the behavior. I agree that you should contact the principal and possibly the superintendent.
This is not fair for your child or any of the other children in the classroom, including the behavioral child.
Meet with the principal, and then if necessary with an administrator that is higher up to express your concerns. Try to get a couple of other parents to attend the meeting with you. Make sure that each incident is documented. Encourage your child to see the nurse after each incident.