Something that’s bound to terrify any parent of a pre-schooler: Two New
Jersey, US, 5-year-olds were discovered naked in the pre-school bathroom
by their teacher, at which point they allegedly admitted they’d been
“having sex,” reported the Stir.
The teacher has been
suspended, and, although she reported the discovery immediately, parents
are horrified that the kids managed to get into this situation. Of
primary concern to the school board is the teacher’s lack of supervision
of the kids.
The report focussed on teacher Kelly Mascio’s lack
of supervision rather than the other blatant question: just how did two
five-year-old kids understand what they were attempting (perhaps even
managing) to do?
The boy and girl had been part of her class on a
day when the class was undergoing State testing, which Mascio had to
oversee. In New Jersey, a teacher may not accompany children to the
bathroom. She has 16 years of experience as a teacher, and seems to have
the support of some in her local education association.
The
police have not charged her with a crime and have not released a
statement about the incident as the kids concerned are minors.
Pre-schoolers
are notoriously high-maintenance for teachers as they need to be
coached into following rules and being orderly. Pre-school teachers must
not only teach kids but also herd them on and off playgrounds, settle
them for snack times and direct their focus on their desks.
Any
parent would be horrified at hearing their child had been found naked in
a bathroom, never mind “having sex” with another child, but does the
blame lie solely with the pre-school teacher?
