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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)
As of July 1, 2025, and pursuant to 2025 Iowa Acts, Senate File 659, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) now has primary responsibility for investigating physical abuse, sexual abuse, and prostitution of students by school employees. HHS created a fact sheet on this new procedure. More information will be forthcoming from HHS and the Department.
(Until June 30, 2025) Iowa Code 280.17 and Iowa Administrative Code 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.
(Until June 30, 2025) 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).
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