I felt a pain in my chest as I read “Kindergarten Kid: I am Outta Here” on page 14 of The Queens Courier on March 7. How frightening for a five year old to arrive home alone. When a parent sends a child to school, the parent and child should feel that the child will be well taken care of, as well as educated.
It is distressing to read that the principal cannot guarantee that it will not happen again. This situation needs further investigation. Could it be that this school is understaffed? There needs to be an employee posted at all exits to make sure a child does not walk out unescorted. How many children are in the kindergarten class? A five year old should not leave the classroom alone. There needs to be a second teacher assistant in the room for safety.
New York City teachers are overworked, but need to be accountable for every child.
Debbie Vogel
