Did you know that out of all the (reported) incidents of restraint and seclusion or seclusion rooms, 75% of them were disabled kids? Yes, true story. Remember that kids with IEPs only make up about 15% of the student population.

Yet, they make up 75% of restraint and seclusion incidents. That’s not right. Make sure you click through to the end, as I have some advocacy tips for parents if this is happening to you. Because here’s the thing–it doesn’t work to achieve results or desired behavior from a child. It just doesn’t.

Know the Names.

A child in a white t-shirt sits facing away in a dimly lit room, creating an atmosphere of solitude often found in seclusion rooms, leaving parents to ponder the impact beyond school walls.
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A child in a white T-shirt sits facing away in a dimly lit room, creating an atmosphere of solitude often found in seclusion rooms, leaving parents to ponder the impact beyond school walls.

Know the names so you know if it’s happening to you.

  1. De-escalation room
  2. Cool Down Room
  3. Blue Room
  4. Quiet Room
  5. Safe room

Schools are required to report incidents.

In the quiet seclusion of a dimly lit hallway, a person in a tank top and jeans sits on the floor, leaning against the wall with their head down. A window and table, like remnants of old schools, stand subtly in the background.
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In the quiet seclusion of a dimly lit hallway, a person in a tank top and jeans sits on the floor, leaning against the wall with their head down.

Timeout room, Reflection Room, Calming Room/Calm Down Room, Special Room and Thinking Room. Read: What to Do When your Child Keeps Getting Sent Home from School for Behaviors

Seclusion is detrimental to kids’ mental health.

A young boy sits alone on a bench, feeling the absence of parents as he hugs his knees with his head down. A blue backpack lies beside him, reminiscent of school days and the solitude found in seclusion rooms.
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A young boy sits alone on a bench, feeling the absence of parents as he hugs his knees with his head down. A blue backpack lies beside him.
  • Behavior Room
  • Consequence Room
  • Solitude Room
  • Privacy Room
  • Sitting Room
  • Safe Space
  • Read: 39 Behavior IEP Goals including Adaptive Behavior and Adaptive Skills

Seclusion does not work to improve desired behavior.

A child, isolated on the stairs with head down and hugging knees, clings to a stuffed toy bear, as though in one of those seclusion rooms often discussed by concerned parents at schools.
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A child, isolated on the stairs with head down and hugging knees, clings to a stuffed toy bear, as though in one of those seclusion rooms often discussed by concerned parents at schools.
  1. Meditation Room
  2. Mindfulness Room
  3. Learning Room
  4. Sensory Room/Sensory Cave (but please don’t freak out if your child goes there with an OT or something and it’s an actual sensory room that benefits your child)
  5. Accountability Room
  6. Contemplation Room
  7. read: The Many Flaws of School FBAs and Behavior Plans

It’s just mean–there’s nothing positive for the child.

In a quiet corner of the classroom, a child in a brown sweater and blue jeans sits on the floor, head down and hands over their ears, as if seeking seclusion from the noise around them.
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In a corner of the classroom, a child in a brown sweater and blue jeans sits on the floor, head down and hands over their ears.
  • (color of paint) Room
  • Introspection Room
  • Study Room
  • The Peace Room (yes, really)
  • The Content Room
  • Protection Room
  • Safe Shelter
  • read: What is an FBA in Special Education? Is it part of an IEP?

Caution Corner?

A child sits alone on the floor in a corner, arms resting on their knees, head down. They're wearing a dark t-shirt, jeans, and white sneakers—a scene that raises questions for parents about how schools handle seclusion rooms.
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A child sits alone on the floor in a corner, arms resting on their knees, head down. They’re wearing a dark t-shirt, jeans, and white sneakers—a scene that raises questions for parents about how schools handle seclusion rooms.
  • The Trust Room (seriously?)
  • Personal Safety Room
  • Quiet Space
  • Quiet Corner
  • Silence Room
  • Quiet Room
  • Safe Space
  • Read: What is an FBA in Special Education? Is it part of an IEP?

Check your IEP carefully.

A child in a red shirt sits on the floor against a brick wall in what appears to be a seclusion room, gazing towards a bright window.
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A child in a red shirt sits on the floor against a brick wall in what appears to be a seclusion room, gazing towards a bright window.
  • Calm Room
  • Reflection Room
  • Timeout Room
  • Serenity Space
  • Comfort Room
  • Tranquility Room
  • read: A Better Understanding of the 4 Functions of Behavior and your FBA/Behavior Plan or IEP

Talk to your child about it.

A person gazes out of a window in quiet reflection, placing their hand on the glass, with a soft light illuminating the scene, reminiscent of peaceful moments often found in seclusion rooms at schools.
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  • Solitude Space
  • Peace Room
  • Contemplation Room
  • Retreat Room
  • Sanctuary Space
  • Relaxation Room
  • Zen Den (my personal favorite)
  • read: The Many Flaws of School FBAs and Behavior Plans

It doesn’t have to be this way.

Seclusion rooms at schools
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Image Credit: ADayInOurShoes

Yes, occasionally kids do die in these rooms, so it’s essential that you’re aware.

Read More: Understanding Restraint or Seclusion in Your Child’s School: What Every Parent Needs to Know and How to Take Action

Learn More

Three illustrated figures holding hands above the text "don't iep alone. Iep tools and training. " the figures consist of two in blue outfits and one in pink.
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A Day in our Shoes and Don’t IEP Alone have articles, training and tools for both parents and teachers.

Special Education Advocate

I'm an IEP/Special Education Advocate who has attended 100s of IEP meetings. I live in Chester County, PA with my husband and two boys, one is disabled. My goal is to make your IEP process easier and help you move your IEP Team to YES. When I'm not here, I'm probably in Harrisburg or DC lobbying for systems change for our kids.