A Hyattsville first-grader is recovering at home after suffering a badly broken and displaced femur at school, and his parents say they still have no clear explanation from administrators about how it happened. Seven-year-old Daevian Donaldson has already undergone surgery to repair the injury and is now under his family's care as he starts what is expected to be a long recovery. His parents say he was in a special-education classroom when he was hurt and that he has not been able to explain what happened.
Parents say substitute was in the classroom
Daevian’s mother, Dachelle Kaufman, told reporters the regular teacher was at a meeting and a substitute was leading the first-grade special-needs class when her son was injured. Kaufman said, "They have to at least have two people in the room," and the substitute told the family she did not know what happened, as reported by Local 12.
District opens review and places staff on leave
Prince George’s County Public Schools said it is "deeply concerned" that a student sustained an injury and has opened an investigation to determine what happened and whether appropriate and timely actions were taken. The district told NBC4 that a staff member involved has been placed on administrative leave while the review continues.
Family pressing for a school transfer
Daevian’s parents say they want him moved to a different school and are unsettled by how staff handled the emergency. His father, Anthony Donaldson, said, "I'm just trying to do the right thing," according to Local 12.
IEP rights and what parents can do
Maryland's special-education guidance says an Individualized Education Program must spell out supports and services tailored to a student's needs and gives families the right to request meetings or file complaints if services are not being delivered, per the Maryland State Department of Education. Contact details and complaint pathways for Edward M. Felegy Elementary are listed on the Prince George's County Public Schools website, which parents can use while the district's review proceeds: Prince George's County Public Schools.
Daevian faces months of recovery, including physical therapy, and his family says it will follow the district's investigation closely. Prince George's County Public Schools says it will take appropriate action if the review finds expectations were not met.
