Early Childhood Program Part-Time Staffer Who Gave Student 'Medicine' Placed On Leave, Investigation Underway

NEW HAVEN, CT — New Haven police, the school district, and the state Department of Children and Families are investigating after a parent reported that a part-time staff member in an early childhood program provided students with what the child described as 'medicine,' which caused the child to become drowsy, according to a statement emailed to Patch.

"Once the matter was brought to our attention, New Haven Public Schools referred the matter to the Department of Children and Families for investigation," police noted in a joint statement. "The incident was immediately referred to the New Haven Police Department, which is working collaboratively with DCF and the school district."

According to the district, the "staff member was separated from the class and put on leave, and two additional staff members who were also assigned to that classroom are also temporarily out on leave."

It's noted that once the investigations are complete, schools "will take appropriate disciplinary action against any employees who violated these policies as we simultaneously work to support our students and ensure their safety. The safety and well-being of our students is always our top priority."

"New Haven Public Schools’ policy is clear: School nurses and trained staff are responsible for distributing prescription or over-the-counter medication to students," the statement reads. "And other staff members are not permitted to do so under any circumstances."