Placed On Administrative Leave 2 Months Into My First Job Out Of College

Location: Texas

I am posting this as a paraprofessional from Texas (Non Union).

Hi everyone,

​I am a brand new male paraprofessional, about 2 months into my first job out of university. I am a special education para supporting our youngest learners, and I have genuinely enjoyed every moment of it.

​On Wednesday after nap time, one of my girl students had a bowel movement accident during center time. As soon as I noticed, I walked her to the bathroom inside the classroom to get changed. The student is currently potty training, so the parents put underwear on first with a diaper over it. I followed normal protocol and helped her remove clothing below the waist.

​Once I removed the underwear, I turned briefly to the toilet to empty the contents into the bowl and put the underwear in a bag to be sent home. When I turned back around to start wiping her clean with baby wipes, she was rolling and wiggling, causing the fecal matter to get everywhere—all over her and the changing table. Because the mess had gotten up her back, I proceeded to remove her shirt so I could properly and safely clean her up. After getting her fully cleaned, I put on a new diaper, put all her clothing items back on (including socks and shoes), and returned her to centers.

​District protocols that I was following:

1. ​Both restroom doors remained open the entire time.

2. There were 2 teachers and 2 other paras in the rooms who were witnesses, as the bathroom connects two classrooms.

​Since the school year started, I’ve done plenty of diaper changes for both boys and girls, always following safety measures: keeping the doors open, removing only necessary clothing to maintain privacy, ensuring adult witnesses, and keeping one hand on the student when reaching for supplies.

​I honestly thought of it as just another routine part of the job. But on Thursday, my principal called me to her office to write a report because she had received allegations regarding the diaper change. I wrote out a detailed explanation of everything that happened and every protocol followed.

​On Friday, I was called back to the office to speak with the head of HR, who was conducting an investigation. He read my report and asked a few follow-up questions about classroom dynamics. I explained that any available staff member handles diaper changes regardless of student gender—which is how my lead teacher, myself, and the other para have operated since day one. He asked specifically how the shirt came off, and I explained the situation with the mess getting up her back.

​He mentioned that removing the student's shirt may have crossed a boundary (misconduct), went over the administrative leave paperwork and mandatory reporting to the state education agency, and had me sign it. I had to turn in all my district-issued items, gather my things, and leave the building.

​I am still in shock at how fast everything moved. I was told to go radio silent until I get further communication. I don't know where I stand only two months into my career, even though I truly believe I did what was in the best interest of the student's health, comfort, and safety in the moment.

Questions: What are my next steps? How should I expect this to play out?

Ps: If you need me to clarify anything let me know as I am sure I am missing details in the post.