The information you are seeking is very valuable. There is another issue of similar importance. Many special education professionals are required to provide physical management, including restrooming assistance and physical health care procedures for their students. As a parent I hope there is open communication between teachers and me to discuss this. I very much appreciated my daughter s bus aide requesting written permission to hug.
Open communication is the best defense.
I let parents and students know that when I am enthused by their progress, I will pat a student on the back, touch their arm, give a hug. If these actions cause you to feel uncomfortable or an invasion of your space, please let me know. I do this to help students learn with each other also, as I have had several sed and bd students who have very large personal areas and the other students need to be aware of this and respect this need. However, due to the present school situation and the fear of being charged with abuse, hugging has become a neglected activity by most teachers. When we only let people who agree not to touch kids in any way work as teachers, we will be hiring people who do not love our kids.