I was hired to work at a YCMA as an Assistant Director and on my first day I was put at a facility and not given any formal training, or any run-down on protocols, and was told that we “basically just figure it out” by my supervisor. I noticed how kids, including young kindergarteners are sent out in the halls and told to dismiss themselves all alone and no one escorts them. I thought that was weird but I didn’t question it.
On my second day of work I was in the classroom when my co-worker came in and told me that I need to move my car in the parking lot. I had her watch my class and went to notify my supervisor who said yes and she told me a student X will be going home. I went back to the classroom and told my coworker that X is going home and made my way to the exit by the kindgarten classroom, apparently X was next to me and I gestured to X to go down the hallway and he began going, and I exited out the door on the side. When I came back, X was on the side of the facility crying and his mom was angry, and apparently he had gotten out of the building through the exit I used. I was suspended with pay, and today they terminated me and said that it was protocol for me to take him down to be dismissed, and that they don’t trust my ability to work there. I know I made a big mistake but I’m terribly afraid because they had to make a report with CPS for child abuse and neglect and I’m terrified that this will come back founded and that it will ruin my future.
Please help me and advise me. I know I made a mistake. I don’t know what to do. Do I appeal the decision and explain that I didn’t know the protocols because I received no training or will that not hold up ? Will this CPS report ruin my chances of getting a job ? My dream is to become a lawyer, is that possible with this report on my record ? Please help me.