[cchapan]

I have a child who destroys property, hits others, screams, kicks and yells when he is put in time out after verbal warning. What are some ways the teacher and paras can protect themselves while staying within safe guidelines for the child. He is put in a safe area away from anything but a mat around him. And the mat allows him to sit and be away from the other children so he does not hit them.

[LostShadow225]

First, I would HIGHLY recommend getting training in CPI. I believe every teacher benefits from this.

As for suggestions, the first thing that came to mind was the strategy Torey Hayden (special ed teacher turned author) used in her special education classroom for a student just like the one you are explaining. She gave every student their assigned work for the day, except the one who was destructive. Eventually, the student wanted to sit down and work because everyone else was doing it and getting the attention.

Also, try using incentives. If you have been able to build rapport with this student, theres a high possibility you know what he/she enjoys. Use that information to your advantage. Be creative. As for ideas on protecting yourself and others.. I can't think of anything else for you to do. The child is going to be destructive no matter what. It is your responsibility to make sure he/she is safe, as well as the other children. When the destructive behavior threatens the other students, get the other students out of the classroom. This will eliminate a great deal of attention this child is getting from all the teachers and the students. Wait til the child de-escalates from the destructive behavior, talk to the student calmly, and make him/her clean up the mess they made. After everything is cleaned up would be the time you can let the other students come back.

Hope this makes sense and helped a little.