I don't consider what you said a flame. I took some pieces here to respond here Deb. Teachers have to walk such a fine line these days. The state has made it even harder on us because we HAVE to call now, or risk losing our license. However, if we call for something that is not abuse, we are in trouble as well. Even though this girl, as described in the situation, did not deserve the treatment given by the parent, she did not receive abusive treatment under the law. I know it sounds harsh. You are right however, the parent would need an eye kept on her by the school. There were points that were brought up about what goes on at home, which could be worse. They could also not be. It could be that the parent just lost it that one time. Nobody really knows. I don't agree with everything CPS does, but I know that we have to have a very strong suspicion to call. We, as professionals, never take that phone call lightly. It is always a family at stake, however dysfunctional it may be.
Since I have had a child of my own, I can't even read the newspaper of abuse of a child, drowning of a child, killing of a child, dog, guinea pig, hamster, or person, much less a cockroach. Something changes when you have a child of your own. I always dismissed it when people told me that, but it does. It really does change you in so many more ways that anyone can ever prepare you for.
My daughter is three years old and attends daycare/preschool at the ymca 3 days a week while I am at school, last semester I received a phone call from CYS (child youth services), the gentleman informed me that he was called in to investigate abuse against my daughter, I was like what happen, who hurt her? His response was me.
I was floored, the ymca staff called them as required by law, due a bruise on her stomache. My daughter, when asked what happened said "mommy hurt me"
I had no clue what he was talking about, I kept thinking what bruise, then it clicked.
My daughter had colored on her self with green marker the day before, I attempted to remove it when I bathed her, but she complained that the scrubbing hurt so I stopped.
I told the cys guy this, he told me he would call me right back, 5 minutes later he calls and said they were able to remove the bruise( green marker) with a little baby oil, soap, and water.
He said though he realized as did the daycare staff, that the injury was really marker, he still had to continue with the investigation (though he would report the allegation as nonfounded).
2 weeks later I receive a letter that says, blah blah...... case worker found no abuse....this file will be closed in 4 months..... blah blah
Point of this story is I was really peaved at her teacher for even thinking I could hurt my baby, stormin mad, WHAT KIND OF IDIOT CONFUSES MARKER FOR A BRUISE,....... Until (my sister a second grade teacher in PA, explained that if it is suspected and not reported the teacher could go to jail, school could lose funding, etc....)I realized that maybe I should be thankful that my daughter has so many people in her corner.
So I am thankful for the teachers and all the people, who put their necks out for our children