Protecting Student Safety

Seclusion, Restraint & Corporal Punishment (Chapter 103)

• Iowa Administrative Code 281-103 Corporal Punishment, Physical Restraint, Seclusion, and Other Physical Contact with Students
• Top 10 Points About Chapter 103 (7-7-21) - Highlights ten changes to Chapter 103 and includes guidance, key points, and a list of definitions.
• Chapter 103: Seclusion and Restraint Training - A statewide training module is available through AEA Learning Online. The training includes the following topics: an overview of Iowa Code Chapter 103, corporal punishment, reasonable force, disciplinary alternatives to seclusion and restraint, safe and effective use of physical restraint, confinement and detention, crisis prevention, intervention, de-escalation techniques, student and staff debriefing after a crisis, and positive behavior interventions and supports.
• In-School Suspension and Chapter 103 - Sets forth the Department's conclusion that typical in-school suspension environments do not meet Chapter 103's definition of physical confinement and detention.
• Using Timeout in A Effective and Ethical Manner (2-27-08) - A practical, hands-on guide for educators seeking research-based methods to improve student behavior. The primary audience is educators and parents who would like guidance on preplanning, appropriate interventions, and follow-up to the use of timeout in Iowa classrooms.

Investigating Allegations of Abuse by School Employees (Chapter 102)

Iowa Code section 280.17 and Iowa Administrative Code chapter 281-102 requires public school districts and accredited nonpublic schools to investigate allegations that employees and agents (including volunteers) engaged in physical or sexual abuse of students. 

Chapter 102 Manual: Sample policy on identifying and reporting child abuse - Explains the investigation process, including roles of the designated initial investigators (Level 1 Investigators).