Section 1.285  Requirements for the Use of Isolated Time Out, Time Out, and Physical Restraint

Isolated time out, time out, and physical restraint, as defined in this Section, shall be used only when the student's behavior presents an imminent danger of serious physical harm to the student or others, other less restrictive and intrusive measures have been tried and proven ineffective in stopping the imminent danger of serious physical harm, there is no known medical contraindication to its use on the student, and the school staff members or members applying the intervention have been trained in its safe application under this Section. (Section 10-20.33(b) or 34-18.20(b) of the School Code).  Isolated time out, time out, or physical restraint shall not be used as discipline or punishment, convenience for staff, retaliation, a substitute for appropriate educational or behavioral support, a routine safety matter, or to prevent property damage in the absence of imminent danger of serious physical harm to the student or others.  In addition to any other remedy provided for in State or federal laws, rules, or regulations, a school district or other entity that violates this Section will be subject to the compliance measures outlined in subsection (k).

a)         Isolated Time Out or Time Out

1)         "Isolated time out" means the involuntary confinement of a student alone in a time out room or other enclosure outside the classroom without a supervising adult in the time out room or enclosure.  Isolated time out is allowed only under limited circumstances.  If all other requirements under this Section are met, isolated time out may be used only when the adult in the time out room or enclosure is in imminent danger of serious physical harm because the student is unable to cease actively engaging in extreme physical aggression.

2)         "Time out" means a behavior management technique for the purpose of calming or de-escalation that involves the involuntary monitored separation of a student from classmates with an adult trained under subsection (i) for part of the school day, only for a brief time, in a non-locked setting.

3)         "Isolated time out" or "time out" does not include a student-initiated or student-requested break, a student-initiated or teacher-initiated sensory break, including a sensory room containing sensory tools to assist a student to calm and de-escalate, an in-school suspension or detention, or any other appropriate disciplinary measure, including a student's brief removal to the hallway or similar environment.

4)         Any enclosure used for isolated time out shall:

A)        meet all of the health/life safety requirements of 23 Ill. Adm. Code 180;

B)        have the same ceiling height as the surrounding room or rooms and be large enough to accommodate not only the student being placed in isolated time out but also, if applicable, any other individual who is required to accompany that student under this Section;

C)        be constructed of materials that cannot be used by students to harm themselves or others, be free of electrical outlets, exposed wiring, and other objects that could be used by students to harm themselves or others, and be designed so that students cannot climb up the walls;  

D)        be designed to permit continuous visual monitoring of and communication with the student; and

E)        if fitted with a door, be fitted with either a steel door or a wooden door of solid-core construction.  If the door includes a viewing panel, the panel shall be unbreakable.  The door shall not be fitted with a locking mechanism or be physically blocked by furniture or any other inanimate object at any time during the isolated time out.

5)          Any enclosure used for time out shall:

A)        meet all the health/life safety requirements of 23 Ill. Adm. Code 180;

B)        have the same ceiling height as the surrounding room or rooms and be large enough to accommodate not only the student being placed in time out but also, if applicable, any other individual who is required to accompany that student under this Section; and

C)       if fitted with a door, be fitted with either a steel door or a wooden door of solid-core construction. If the door includes a viewing panel, the panel shall be unbreakable. The door shall not be locked or be physically blocked by furniture or any other inanimate object at any time during the time out.

6)         For an isolated time out, an adult who is responsible for supervising the student must remain within two feet of the enclosure.  The supervising staff member must always be able to see, hear, and communicate with the student.  The door shall not be locked or held to block egress.  A student in isolated time out shall not be supervised using cameras, audio recording, or any other electronic monitoring device.

7)         For time out, an adult trained under subsection (h) who is responsible for supervising the student must remain in the same room as the student at all times during the time out.

8)         The deprivation of necessities needed to sustain the health of a person is prohibited.  A student placed in isolated time out or time out must have reasonable access to food, water, medication, and toileting facilities.  Except in circumstances in which there is a risk of self-injury or injury to staff or others, a student in isolated time out or time out shall not have clothing removed, including, but not limited to, shoes, shoelaces, boots, or belts.

b)         "Physical restraint" or "restraint" means holding a student or otherwise restricting a student's movements.  "Physical restraint", as permitted pursuant to this Section, includes only the use of specific, planned techniques.  "Physical restraint" or "restraint" does not include momentary periods of physical restriction by direct person to person contact, without the aid of material or mechanical devices, that are accomplished with limited force and that are designed to prevent a student from completing an act that would result in potential physical harm to the student or another or damage to property (see Section 10-20.33 or 34-18.20 of the School Code).

c)         In addition to all other requirements under this Section, the use of physical restraint shall be subject to the following requirements and limitations.

1)         Physical restraint must end immediately when:

A)        the threat of imminent danger of serious physical harm ends; or

B)        the student indicates the inability to breathe or staff supervising the student recognizes that the student may be in respiratory distress.

2)         The staff involved in physically restraining a student must periodically halt physical restraint every five minutes or sooner based upon the type of physical management hold used and the methodology that the staff member trained in subsection (h) learned in training.   If the imminent danger of serious physical harm continues to exist, staff may continue to use the physical restraint and the continued use may not be considered a separate instance of physical restraint.

3)         A physical restraint shall not impair a student's ability to breathe or communicate normally, obstruct a student's airway, or interfere with a student's ability to speak. If physical restraint is imposed upon a student whose primary mode of communication is sign language or an augmentative mode, the student shall be permitted to have hands free of restraint for brief periods unless the supervising adult determines that this freedom appears likely to result in imminent danger of serious physical harm to the student or others.

4)         'Prone physical restraint' means a physical restraint in which a student is held face-down on the floor or other surface and physical pressure is applied to the student's body to keep the student in the prone position.  Prone physical restraint is prohibited.    

5)         "Supine physical restraint" means a physical restraint in which a student is held face up on the floor or other surface and physical pressure is applied to the student's body to keep the student in the supine position.  Supine physical restraint is prohibited unless all of the following criteria are met:

A)        Before using a supine physical restraint, the school district or other entity serving the student shall review and determine if there are any known medical or psychological limitations that contraindicate the use of a supine physical restraint.

B)        The school district or other entity serving the student deems the situation an emergency, defined as a situation in which immediate intervention is needed to protect a student or other individual from imminent danger of serious physical harm to the student or others and less restrictive and intrusive interventions have been tried and proven ineffective in stopping the imminent danger.

C)        Supine physical restraint is used in a manner that does not restrict or impair a student's ability to breathe or communicate normally, apply pressure to a student's neck or torso, obstruct a student's airway, or interfere with a student's primary mode of communication.

D)        Supine physical restraint is used only by personnel who have completed required training under subsection (h).

E)        Supine physical restraint is used only if those interventions are the least restrictive and intrusive interventions to address the emergency and stop the imminent danger of serious physical harm to the student or others. During each incident, one school staff person trained in identifying the signs of distress must be assigned to observe and monitor the student during the entire incident. That staff person may not be involved in the physical holding of the student. The number of staff involved in physically restraining the student may not exceed the number necessary to safely hold the student. Staff involved in the restraint must use the least amount of force and the fewest points of contact necessary and must afford the student maximum freedom of movement while maintaining safety.

F)         The supine physical restraint ends immediately when the threat of imminent danger of serious physical harm ends, but in no event shall supine physical restraint last longer than 30 minutes. If after 30 minutes the emergency has not resolved, or if an additional emergency arises the same school day that meets the standards of this subsection (c), a school administrator, in consultation with a psychologist, social worker, nurse, or behavior specialist, may authorize the continuation of the restraint or an additional supine physical restraint. No restraint may be continued, nor may additional restraints be applied, unless continuation is authorized by a school administrator.

G)        If the student is restrained in a supine physical restraint in at least 2 separate instances within a 30-school day period, the school personnel who initiated, monitored, and supervised the incidents shall initiate a Restraint Review, which is a review of the effectiveness of the procedures used. If the personnel involved in the restraints do not include a psychologist, social worker, nurse, or behavior specialist, at least one of those staff members shall be included in the Restraint Review.  The State Superintendent may request that the school district or entity provide documentation from the Restraint Review. The Restraint Review must include, but is not limited to:

i)          conducting or reviewing a functional behavioral analysis, reviewing data, considering the development of additional or revised positive behavioral interventions and supports, considering actions to reduce the use of restrictive procedures, or, if applicable, modifying the student's individualized educational program, federal Section 504 plan, behavior intervention plan, or other plan of care, as appropriate; and

ii)         reviewing any known medical or psychological limitations that contraindicate the use of a restrictive procedure, considering whether to prohibit that restrictive procedure, and, if applicable, documenting any prohibitions in the student's individualized education program, federal Section 504 plan, behavior intervention plan, or other plan of care.

6)         Students shall not be subjected to physical restraint for using profanity or other verbal displays of disrespect for themselves or others. A verbal threat shall not be considered as constituting an imminent risk of serious physical harm unless a student also demonstrates a means of or intent to immediately carry out the threat that would result in the imminent risk of serious physical harm.

7)         Except as permitted by the administrative rules of another State agency operating or licensing a facility in which elementary or secondary educational services are provided (e.g., the Illinois Department of Corrections, the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice, or the Illinois Department of Human Services), mechanical restraint or chemical restraint, as defined in subsection (c)(11) or (c)(12), shall not be employed.

8)         Medically prescribed restraint procedures employed for the treatment of a physical disorder or for the immobilization of a person in connection with a medical or surgical procedure shall not be used as means of physical restraint for purposes of maintaining discipline.

9)         Any application of physical restraint shall take into consideration the safety and security of the student.  Physical restraint shall not rely upon pain as an intentional method of control.

10)        In determining whether a student who is being physically restrained should be removed from the area where the restraint was initiated, the supervising adult shall consider the potential for injury to the student, the student's need for privacy, and the educational and emotional well-being of other students in the vicinity.

11)        "Chemical restraint" means the use of medication to control a student's behavior or restrict a student's freedom of movement. Chemical restraint is prohibited. "Chemical restraint" does not include medication that is legally prescribed and administered as part of a student's regular medical regimen to manage behavioral symptoms and treat medical symptoms.

12)        "Mechanical restraint" means the use of any device or equipment to limit a student's movement or hold a student immobile. Mechanical restraint is prohibited. "Mechanical restraint" does not include any restraint used to:

A)        treat a student's medical needs;

B)        protect a student known to be at risk of injury resulting from lack of coordination or frequent loss of consciousness;

C)        position a student with physical disabilities in a manner specified in the student's individualized education program, federal Section 504 plan, or other plan of care, where there is an evidenced medical need for the positioning and the restraint is not used for convenience;

D)        provide a supplementary aid or service or an accommodation, including, but not limited to, assistive technology that provides proprioceptive input or aids in self-regulation; or

E)        promote student safety in vehicles used to transport students.

d)         Time Limits

1)         A student shall be released from isolated time out or time out immediately upon determination by the staff member that the student no longer poses an imminent danger of causing serious physical harm to the student or others.  No less than once every 15 minutes, an adult trained under subsection (h) must assess whether the student has ceased presenting the specific behavior for which the time out was imposed.

2)         A student shall be released from physical restraint immediately upon a determination by the staff member administering the restraint that the student is no longer in imminent danger of causing serious physical harm to the student or others.  No less than once every 15 minutes, an adult trained under subsection (h) must assess whether the student has ceased presenting the specific behavior for which the restraint was imposed.

e)         Documentation and Evaluation

1)         In a form and manner prescribed by the State Superintendent, a written record of each episode of isolated time out, time out, or physical restraint shall be maintained in the student's temporary record.  The official designated under this Section shall also maintain a copy of each of these records.  Each record shall include, but is not limited to, all of the following:

A)        the student's name;

B)        the date of the incident;

C)        the beginning and ending times of the incident;

D)        a description of any relevant events leading up to the incident;

E)        a description of any less restrictive or intrusive alternative measures that were used prior to the implementation of isolated time out, time out, or physical restraint and why those measures were ineffective or deemed inappropriate;

F)         a description of the incident or student behavior that resulted in isolated time out, time out, or physical restraint, including the specific imminent danger of serious physical harm to the student or others;

G)        for isolated time out, a description of the rationale of why the needs of the student cannot be met by a lesser restrictive intervention and why an adult could not be present in the time out room;

H)        a log of the student's behavior in isolated time out, time out, or during physical restraint, including a description of the restraint techniques used and any other interaction between the student and staff;

I)         a description of any injuries (whether to students, staff, or others) or property damage;

J)         a description of any planned approach to dealing with the student's behavior in the future, including any de-escalation methods or procedures that may be used to avoid the use of isolated time out, time out, or physical restraint;

K)        a list of the school personnel who participated in the implementation, monitoring, and supervision of isolated time out, time out, or physical restraint; and

L)        the date on which parental or guardian notification took place, as required by subsection (f).

2)         The school official designated under subsection (i)(3) shall be notified of the incident as soon as possible, but no later than the end of the school day on which it occurred.

3)         The requirements of this subsection (e)(3) shall apply whenever an episode of isolated time out or time out exceeds 30 minutes, an episode of physical restraint exceeds 15 minutes, or repeated episodes have occurred during any three-hour period.

A)        A licensed educator or licensed clinical practitioner who has completed the training requirements under subsection (h) shall evaluate the situation.

B)        The evaluation shall consider the appropriateness of continuing the procedure in use, including the student's potential need for medication, nourishment, or use of a restroom, and the need for alternate strategies (e.g., assessment by a mental health crisis team, assistance from police, or transportation by ambulance).

C)        The results of the evaluation shall be committed to writing and copies of this documentation shall be placed into the student's temporary student record and provided to the official designated under subsection (i)(3).

4)         When a student experiences instances of isolated time out, time out, or physical restraint on any 3 days within a 30-day period, the school personnel who initiated, monitored, and supervised the incidents shall initiate a review meeting of the effectiveness of the procedures used, review the student's functional behavioral assessment, including a determination as to whether a new functional behavior assessment is necessary, and prepare an individual behavior plan for the student that includes, if applicable, a plan for conducting a new functional behavior assessment that provides either for continued use of these interventions or for the use of other specified interventions.  The plan shall be placed into the student's temporary student record.  The review meeting shall also consider the student's potential need for an alternative program, for special education eligibility, or, for a student already eligible for special education, for a change in program.

A)        The review meeting must be held no later than 20 days after the third day the instance of isolated time out, time out, or physical restraint occurred. The timeline required by this subsection (e)(4)(A) may be extended if a request for extension is received from the student’s parent or guardian.

B)        The district or other entity serving the student shall invite the student's parents or guardians to participate in this review meeting and shall provide ten days' notice of its date, time, and location.  If a student has an individualized education program (IEP), an IEP meeting may satisfy the meeting requirement under this subsection (e)(4) and must comply with 23 Ill. Adm. Code 226 and 34 CFR Part 300.

C)        The notification shall inform the parents or guardians that the student's potential need for special education, an alternative program, or, for students already eligible for special education, the student's potential need for a change in program, will be considered and that the results of the review meeting will be entered into the temporary student record.

f)         Notification to Parents or Guardians

1)         A district whose policies allow for the use of isolated time out, time out, or physical restraint shall notify parents or guardians to this effect as part of the information distributed annually or upon enrollment pursuant to Sections 10-20.14 and 14-8.05(c) of the School Code.

2)         If a student is subject to isolated time out, time out, or physical restraint, the school must make a reasonable attempt to notify the student's parent or guardian on the same day the isolated time out, time out, or physical restraint is imposed.

3)         Within one business day after any use of isolated time out, time out, or physical restraint, the school district or other entity serving the student shall send the form required under subsection (e)(1) to the student's parents or guardians and the following information:

A)        a copy of the standards for when isolated time out, time out, and physical restraint can be used;

B)        information about the rights of parents, guardians, and students;

C)        information about the parent's or guardian's right to file a complaint with the State Superintendent of Education, the complaint process, and other information to assist the parent or guardian in navigating the complaint process. (Section 10-20.33(h) or 34-18.20(h) of the School Code);

D)        a description of the State complaint, mediation, and due process procedures for students who are eligible to receive special education services; and

E)        information on the procedures for requesting an evaluation and pursuing accommodations and modifications under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or special education eligibility and services for students who are not yet eligible to receive these accommodations or services.

4)         No later than 2 school days after each incident of isolated time out, time out, or physical restraint, the principal or another designated administrator shall notify the student's parent or guardian that he or she may request a meeting with appropriate school personnel to discuss the incident. This meeting shall be held separate and apart from meetings held in accordance with the student’s individualized education program or from meetings held in accordance with the student's plan for services under Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973. If a parent or guardian requests a meeting, the meeting must be convened within 2 school days after the request, provided that the 2-school day limitation shall be extended if requested by the parent or guardian. The parent or guardian may also request that the meeting be convened via telephone or video conference. A meeting conducted under this subsection (f)(4) must comply with all of the requirements under Section 10-20.33(g) or 34-18.20(g) of the School Code. A summary of the meeting and any agreements or conclusions reached during the meeting shall be documented in writing and shall become part of the student’s school record. A copy of the documents shall be provided to the student’s parent or guardian. If a parent or guardian does not request a meeting within 10 school days after the school has provided the documents to the parent or guardian or if a parent or guardian fails to attend a requested meeting, that fact shall be documented as part of the student’s school record. (Section 10-20.33(g) or 34-18.20(g) of the School Code)

g)         Report to the State Superintendent

1)         No later than 2 school days after any use of isolated time out, time out, or physical restraint, the school district or other entity serving the student shall, in a form and manner prescribed by the State Superintendent, submit the information required under subsection (e)(1) to the State Superintendent.

2)         The State Superintendent reserves the authority to require districts to submit the information required under subsection (e)(1) for previous school years.

h)         Requirements for Training

1)         Any adult who is supervising a student in isolated time out or time out, or who is involved in a physical restraint, shall receive at least 8 hours of developmentally appropriate training annually.  Except for training on physical restraint, online training may be utilized for all training areas under this subsection (h)(1).  Training is required in the following areas:

A)        crisis de-escalation;

B)        restorative practices;

C)        identifying signs of distress during physical restraint and time out;

D)        trauma-informed practices; and

E)        behavior management practices.

2)         All adults trained under this subsection (h) must be provided a copy of the district's policies on isolated time out, time out, and physical restraint.

3)         Isolated time out, time out, or physical restraint, as defined in this Section, shall be applied only by individuals who have received annual systematic training on less restrictive and intrusive strategies and techniques to reduce the use of isolated time out, time out, and physical restraint based on best practices and how to safely use time out and physical restraint when those alternative strategies and techniques have been tried and proven ineffective.  This training must include all the elements described in this subsection (h) and must result in the receipt of a certificate of completion or other written evidence of participation.  No individual may use isolated time out, time out, or physical restraint before receiving the required training and certificate.  An individual who applies isolated time out, time out, or physical restraint shall use only techniques in which that individual has received prior annual training, as indicated by written evidence of participation.

4)         The training required under this subsection (h) with respect to isolated time out, time out, or physical restraint may be provided either by the employer or by an external entity. 

A)        All persons or entities who provide training must be trained and certified in:

i)          the effective use of less restrictive and intrusive alternatives to prevent imminent danger of serious physical harm to the student or others; and

ii)         the safe application of isolated time out, time out, and physical restraint when less restrictive and intrusive alternatives have been tried and proven ineffective. 

B)        The training shall include, but need not be limited to:

i)          the dangers associated with the use of isolated time out, time out, and physical restraint and the need to use interventions that are less restrictive and intrusive to reduce the risk of harm to students;

ii)         appropriate procedures for preventing the need for isolated time out, time out, or physical restraint, including the de-escalation of problematic behavior, relationship-building, and the use of alternatives to restraint;

iii)        recognizing and responding appropriately to the antecedent of a student's behavior;

iv)        recognizing contraindications and other conditions and events that increase risk of death;

v)         a description and identification of dangerous behaviors on the part of students that may indicate the need for isolated time out, time out, or physical restraint and methods for evaluating the risk of harm in individual situations in order to determine whether the use of restraint is warranted;

vi)        the simulated experience of administering and receiving a variety of isolated time out, time out, and physical restraint techniques, ranging from minimal physical involvement to very controlling interventions;

vii)       instruction regarding the effects of isolated time out, time out, and physical restraint on the person in restraint, isolated time out, or time out, including instruction on monitoring physical signs of distress and obtaining medical assistance;

viii)      instruction regarding documentation and reporting requirements and investigation of injuries and complaints; and

ix)        demonstration by participants of proficiency in administering isolated time out, time out, and physical restraint.

5)         An individual may provide training to others in a particular method of time out and physical restraint only if the individual has received written evidence of completing training in those techniques that meet the requirements of this subsection (h) within the preceding one-year period.

i)          Any use of isolated time out, time out, or physical restraint permitted by a board's policy shall be implemented in accordance with written procedures that include:

1)         the circumstances under which isolated time out, time out, or physical restraint will be applied;

2)         a written procedure to be followed by staff in cases of isolated time out, time out, or physical restraint;

3)         designation of a school official who will be informed of incidents and maintain the documentation required under this Section when isolated time out, time out, or physical restraint is used;

4)         the process the district or other entity serving public school students will use to evaluate any incident that results in an injury to the affected student; and

5)         a description of the district's or other entity's annual review of the use of isolated time out, time out, or physical restraint, which, at a minimum, shall include:

A)        the number of incidents involving the use of these interventions;

B)        the location and duration of each incident;

C)        identification of the staff members who were involved;

D)        any injuries or property damage that occurred; and

E)        the timeliness of parental or guardian notification and timelines for agency notification and administrative review.

j)          Complaint Procedures

1)         Any parent or guardian, individual, organization, or advocate may file a signed, written complaint with the State Superintendent alleging that a local school district or other entity serving the student has violated this Section. The complaint shall include all of the following:

A)        the facts on which the complaint is based;

B)        the signature and contact information for the complainant;

C)        if known, the names and addresses of the students involved and the name of the school of attendance;

D)        a description of the nature of the problem, including any facts relating to the problem; and

E)        a proposed resolution of the problem to the extent known.

2)         The State Superintendent shall only consider a complaint if it alleges a violation occurring not more than one year prior to the date in which the parent, guardian, individual, organization, or advocate received notification of the violation, if the notification contained all of the requirements in subsection (f).

3)         If mutually agreed upon in writing, the parties to the complaint may request State-sponsored mediation.  If one of the parties in the complaint is a nonpublic special education facility, the student's home district must also agree to participate in the mediation.  If the parties agree to a resolution in mediation, the parent, guardian, individual, organization, or advocate that filed the complaint must formally withdraw the complaint.  The State Board of Education will publish the metrics for the use of mediation, including the number of complaints resulting in mediations and the number of complaints successfully resolved through mediation.  All data released by the State Board shall be consistent with federal and State laws and rules governing student privacy rights, including, but not limited to, the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 and the Illinois School Student Records Act.

4)         After receiving a complaint that meets the requirements of this subsection (j), the State Superintendent shall:

A)        carry out an independent investigation, including, but not limited to, an on-site investigation, if deemed necessary by the State Superintendent;

B)        give the complainant the opportunity to submit additional information, either orally or in writing, about the allegations in the complaint; and

C)        require that the public entity that is the subject of the complaint submit a written response to the complaint.  The public entity shall submit its response and all other documentation to the State Superintendent and the parent, guardian, individual, organization, or advocate filing the complaint no later than the date indicated in the written correspondence received under this subsection (j), except as prohibited under the Freedom of Information Act [5 ILCS 140].

5)         The State Superintendent must issue a written decision to the complainant that addresses each allegation in the complaint and that contains all of the following:

A)        findings of fact and conclusion;

B)        the reasons for the State Board of Education's final decision; and

C)        orders for any action, including technical assistance.

6)         If the State Board receives information, from school data reporting or any other source, alleging or indicating that a school district or other entity serving a student has violated this Section, the State Board shall have the authority to commence an investigation under subsection (j)(4) and issue a written decision as to the allegations or indications under subsection (j)(5). An individual, organization, or other entity providing such information to the State Board shall be able to do so confidentially.

7)         The complaint procedure under this subsection (j) does not limit, diminish, or otherwise deny the federal and State rights and procedural safeguards afforded to students.

k)         Compliance Measures

1)         The State Board shall continuously audit or monitor school districts or entities that have utilized isolated time out, time out, or physical restraint to ensure that the school district or entity is meeting the State Board's established goals and benchmarks for reducing and eventually eliminating the use of isolated time out, time out, or physical restraint.  These goals and benchmarks will be established in accordance with the requirements of Section 2-3.130(e) of the School Code and will be available on the State Board's website.  Each school district or entity that utilizes isolated time out, time out, or physical restraint must:

A)        Demonstrate progress toward the statewide goal of achieving a reduction in the use of physical restraint, time out, and isolated time out for students.  The progress toward the reduction and eventual elimination of the use of isolated time out and physical restraint shall be measured by the reduction in the overall number of incidents of those interventions and the total number of students subjected to those interventions. (Section 2-3.130(e) of the School Code)

B)        Create an oversight team to develop a school district plan, including school-specific considerations, for reducing and eventually eliminating the use of time out and physical restraint.  The plan must include specific actions set forth in Public Act 102-339.  This school district plan is required unless a school district can show that it has not used isolated time out, time out, or physical restraint within the previous three years and the school district has adopted a policy prohibiting these interventions and can demonstrate enforcement of that policy;

C)        Make the school district plan available for review by parents or guardians;

D)        Modify the school district plan as necessary to meet the goal in subsection (k)(1)(A); and

E)        Submit a report to ISBE once per year for three years detailing progress made toward achieving the goal in subsection (k)(1)(A).

2)         The State Board will review each school district's or other entity's plan to reduce and eventually eliminate the use of isolated time out, time out, or physical restraint and will periodically follow-up with the school district or other entity to ensure compliance with the plan.

3)         In addition to the authority granted to the State Board under subsection (j the State Board shall have authority to initiate any of the following compliance measures if a school district or other entity violates this Section:

A)        publishing a public notice on the State Board's website that includes a description of the school's or entity's violation;

B)        requiring the school or entity to provide notice of the violation to the parent or guardian of the student and the school official designated under subsection (i)(3) and shall require the release of any school improvement plan if required to be drafted under subsection (k)(1)(C);

C)        requiring the school or entity to draft a school improvement plan that directly addresses, but is not limited to, the following:

i)          a description of the violation;

ii)         the reasons proven or believed to be the cause of the violation;

iii)        the school's or entity's plan to ensure the violation does not reoccur; and

iv)        alignment of the plan to the State Board's established benchmarks and goals in subsection (k)(1).

D)        requiring the school or entity to conduct a functional behavioral assessment, with written parental or guardian consent, if applicable, or to create or revise a student's behavior intervention plan, with input from the student's parent or guardian, and to provide a copy of those documents to the State Board;

E)        monthly oversight meetings with State Board staff to review the school's or entity's progress toward correcting the violation;

F)         announced or unannounced on-site visitation and monitoring of the school or entity;

G)        interviews with school personnel or other staff members, parents or guardians, or students, as appropriate;

H)        requiring specified school personnel or other staff members to complete further training or professional development;

I)         implementing any student-specific remedial intervention that may be appropriate; and

J)         referral to other State agencies or law enforcement, as necessary.

4)         A school district or other entity that does not comply with the compliance measures under this subsection or that has multiple findings of noncompliance will be subject to the progressive enforcement actions outlined in Section 1.20.

l)          Youth Centers and Juvenile Detention Facilities

1)         Any provision in this Section that limits which rooms, enclosures, or other infrastructure may be used for time out or isolated time out does not apply to Department of Juvenile Justice youth centers, county juvenile detention centers, or any other correctional institutions ("detention centers").

2)         Any provision in this Section that regulates staff behavior does not apply to detention center staff who are not employed by or contracting with a school district or regional office of education in an educational capacity ("school staff").

3)         This Section applies to school staff working in detention centers.  Any removal of a student from the educational environment in detention center witnessed by school staff must be documented by that school staff, regardless of who initiated or carried out the removal.  If multiple school staff people witness a removal, they must collaborate on a single report.

A)        For disciplinary or punitive removals, school staff must comply with documentation requirements under Section 10-22.6 of the School Code [105 ILCS 5/10-22.6].

B)        For removals due to danger to the student or others, school staff must comply with documentation requirements under subsection (e).

4)         A school staff person that witnesses an episode of physical restraint, time out, or isolated time out must document the episode under subsection (1)(3) regardless of who initiated or carried out the intervention.  When documenting an episode of restraint, time out, or isolated time out carried out by detention center or other non-educational staff, the school staff person completing the report may have incomplete knowledge of the episode.  A school staff person with incomplete knowledge of an episode must complete the relevant documentation to the best of their ability.  Incomplete knowledge of an episode does not release a school staff person from documentation requirements under this subsection. 

(Source:  Amended at 48 Ill. Reg. 8535, effective May 29, 2024)