School Time Out Rooms and Calming Spaces Survey

DLC has the authority to monitor the use of time-out rooms and seclusion in schools. The DESE Board approved new regulations in this area that went into effect on August 17, 2026.

We will be monitoring schools across the state this academic year to see how the new time-out/seclusion regulations are being implemented and to support and encourage schools to transition to trauma informed alternatives.

We would like your input. Please share time-out/seclusion experiences from this school year.

Name

City / Town

Phone

Do you know a child who has been placed in a time out room or calming space (“the room”) this year?

What is your relationship to the child(ren)?

What is the name of the school(s)?

Approximately how many times has the child been placed in a time out room or calming space since August 17, 2026.

Were you informed of the placement by the school? When, and by what method?

Was a staff member with the child? If so, what was the role of the staff person?

Was the child free to leave the room?

If the child was alone, did the school obtain the parent/guardians consent?

If the child was alone, did the school obtain approval from a mental health provider and a physician?

Do you know why the school placed the child in the room?

Do you know if the school kept any records concerning the child’s time in the room?

What was the impact on the child, both during and after being placed in the room? 

If you have observed the room, please describe it (e.g., dimensions, decoration, furniture, door window and locks, etc.):

Any other comments?

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