The use of Restraint and Seclusion in schools is governed by Vermont State Board of Education Rule 4500.
Purpose of State Board Rule 4500
- Create and maintain a positive and safe learning environment in schools
- Promote positive behavioral interventions and supports in schools
- Ensure that students are not subjected to inappropriate use of restraint or seclusion
Rule 4500 Guidance
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State Board Rules 4500, Use of Restraint and Seclusion in Schools
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Restraint and Seclusion: Resource Document from the U.S. Department of Education
- Use of Seclusions Memorandum
- Guidelines on the Use of Seclusions
The Vermont Agency of Education is conducting a review of the programs previously recommended to teach the prevention and use of restraint in school settings. A Request for Information will be posted here soon for training programs interested in applying to be part of a future provider directory. Once this review process is complete, an updated Directory of Recommended Programs will be shared here.
Mandated Incident Reporting Forms
Any person who administers a restraint or seclusion procedure shall report the incident to the school administrator as soon as possible, but no later than the end of the school day. Additionally, Rule 4500 requires that each use of seclusion and restraint be documented in a written report containing all of the required information listed in the Rule and sent to the building administrator. The Rule also lists the criteria when reports must also be sent to the Superintendent and when the Superintendent must send the reports to the Secretary. All reports that are sent to the Secretary must use the following required incident report form and must be sent via the U.S. postal service or hand delivered to the Agency due to concerns related to confidentiality.
- Mandated Restraint and Seclusion Incident Documentation Report, Rule 4500
- Mandated Restraint and Seclusion Incident Documentation Report, Rule 4500 (Print version)
Rule 4509 Recommended Physical Restraint Training Programs
The Rule 4509 Recommended Physical Restraint Programs list reflects programs that submitted evidence that their training program aligns with the requirements of Rule 4509 in Rule 4500: Use of Restraint and Seclusion in Schools.
If an LEA is using a physical restraint training provider that is not on this list, or if a physical restraint trainer would like to be considered for inclusion on this list, the training program should submit the Rule 4500 Recommended Physical Restraint Training Program Request for Inclusion.
Universal Prekindergarten programs should contact the AOE Early Learning Team for questions regarding the developmental appropriateness of restraint and seclusion, for 3, 4, and 5-year-old children.
Contact: Kate Anderson at Kate.Anderson@vermont.gov.
