I’m not sure where to start with this. My pre-k daughter was left in the bathroom for 45 minutes while her entire class went outside for recess. The teachers and principal decided not to tell me about it, and I only found out through school gossip. Now my daughter is traumatized and scared to use the bathroom because she’s afraid she’ll be locked in and abandoned. It’s been two days, and the school still hasn’t addressed this. I’ve spoken to the teacher and principal, but the principal brushed it off, saying the ‘teacher will be handled,’ and then avoided me. I’ve also informed the superintendent, assistant superintendent, and HR yesterday morning, but they haven’t even started an investigation yet. To make it worse, the principal—who made the decision not to tell me—is blaming the teacher, and as my boss, I don’t feel safe working under her anymore. What are my options here? Has anyone dealt with something like this?
Wow, that’s awful. Have you thought about filing a formal complaint with the school district? It might get them to act faster.
Charlie said:
Wow, that’s awful. Have you thought about filing a formal complaint with the school district? It might get them to act faster.
I’ve already contacted the superintendent and HR, but it’s frustrating because nothing’s happened yet. Should I do more?
Charlie said:
Wow, that’s awful. Have you thought about filing a formal complaint with the school district? It might get them to act faster.
If they’re dragging their feet, maybe look into filing a complaint with your state’s education department too. It might push them to take it seriously.
That’s so heartbreaking for your daughter. Have you thought about getting her into therapy? It could help her work through the fear.
Hartley said:
That’s so heartbreaking for your daughter. Have you thought about getting her into therapy? It could help her work through the fear.
Yeah, I’m considering it. She’s been really scared of bathrooms now, and I don’t want this to affect her long-term.
Hartley said:
That’s so heartbreaking for your daughter. Have you thought about getting her into therapy? It could help her work through the fear.
That’s a good step. Maybe the school counselor could help too? They should be involved in supporting her after this.
The fact that they decided not to tell you is a huge red flag. Have you considered talking to a lawyer? This seems serious.
Florence said:
The fact that they decided not to tell you is a huge red flag. Have you considered talking to a lawyer? This seems serious.
I’m thinking about it. Would it make sense to wait until the district finishes their investigation, or should I act now?
Florence said:
The fact that they decided not to tell you is a huge red flag. Have you considered talking to a lawyer? This seems serious.
Honestly, I’d consult one now just to be safe. They can guide you on the best steps to take while the school drags their feet.
It’s messed up that the principal is shifting blame. If you don’t feel safe working under them, can you request a transfer?
Isla said:
It’s messed up that the principal is shifting blame. If you don’t feel safe working under them, can you request a transfer?
That’s crossed my mind, but I’m not sure how transfers work in this district. I’m worried it might hurt my career here.
Isla said:
It’s messed up that the principal is shifting blame. If you don’t feel safe working under them, can you request a transfer?
It’s worth looking into. No job is worth feeling unsafe or unvalued, especially in a situation like this.
I’d document everything—conversations, emails, timelines—just in case. It’ll help if you decide to escalate this.
Jules said:
I’d document everything—conversations, emails, timelines—just in case. It’ll help if you decide to escalate this.
Good advice, I’ve started keeping track. I just hope it doesn’t come to needing it.
Jules said:
I’d document everything—conversations, emails, timelines—just in case. It’ll help if you decide to escalate this.
Hopefully not, but it’s better to have it and not need it than the other way around.