School Board Bans ‘Excessive Tickling’ and Harsh Punishments in Preschool!

During a recent meeting, the Maricopa Unified School District board unanimously approved amendments to its policy regarding the treatment of students in preschools. This new policy explicitly prohibits corporal punishment, psychological abuse, coercion, and seclusion under any circumstances.

Additionally, the school board adopted language limiting physical restraints to situations where they are necessary to protect students or others from harm. Assistant Superintendent Tracey Pastor emphasized that these changes align with national standards for community preschools.

Pastor noted, “This policy has been in place for some time, but we needed to include additional language as our preschools seek accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children.”

The board’s decision addresses various forms of psychological abuse, specifically identifying actions such as shaming, name-calling, and humiliation as unacceptable. Likewise, physical punishments—including shaking, hitting, and excessive tickling—are prohibited.

Coercive actions are also banned, with the policy specifying an outright prohibition against rough handling, unnecessary physical restraint, and forcing children to undertake specific actions like eating or cleaning.

The policy clearly defines “restraint” as any method that restricts a student’s movement, whether through physical force or mechanical means. Similarly, it describes “seclusion” as confining a student involuntarily in a room without the option of leaving.

Restraint or seclusion can only be employed in urgent situations, specifically when a student’s behavior poses an imminent danger of bodily harm either to themselves or others, and when less restrictive interventions have proven insufficient. Additionally, new reporting and documentation procedures will be established to track any incidents involving restraint or seclusion.