Heartland AEA’s online training system has been updated to include a course to meet the requirements of Section 103B of the Iowa Code. This requires that employees who come in contact with children and may need to do physical restraint or confinement receive training. This course meets the requirements for basic training, but you may have staff who need more specific or deeper training.
This course provides an overview of Chapter 103 of Iowa code, including: rules on the use of corporal punishment and reasonable force; disciplinary alternatives to seclusion and restraint; the safe and effective use of physical restraint, confinement and detention; crisis prevention, intervention and de-escalation techniques; student and staff debriefing after a crisis; and positive behavior interventions and supports.
The information for the training, including how to access the training and the password, has been sent to each district's contact person. If you need information, have a new contact person or need to know the name of your contact person, please contact Evan Abbey at eabbey@aea11.k12.ia.us.
Recently we received information from the Department of Education answering some questions that we have heard frequently. Please see the responses below.
Who is required to receive training?
It is a local decision, but anybody who is expected to do physical confinement or physical restraint must be trained. Some districts give all staff some intro-level training, and others target based on job description or class roster assignment.
How often should staff receive training?
Again, it is a local decision. Law doesn't require annual, but requires "adequate and periodic" training. Many districts do annual to be safe. Others include it in new staff orientation, and have built it into their districts' professional development calendars.
Are there consequences of failing to train staff?
It would depend on the facts of each case. If an untrained staff responded to an unexpected emergency, then there is almost certainly no likelihood of citation. The DE has cited districts that have allowed untrained staff to routinely use or assist with seclusion and restraint. The consequences to a teacher would also depend on the facts of each case, and this intersects with the immunities language in the rules (staff with questions should consult their organization's attorney).
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