When a Toddler Goes Rogue… and the School Gets a Flat‑Out “No‑Go”
Picture this: an eight‑year‑old, Vetri, with a global developmental delay, supposed to be in a cozy tuition class until 6 pm, ends up abandoned near the corner of Jurong Town Hall Road and Pandan Gardens. Like a lost pizza delivery, he’s nowhere to be found.
The Timeline (Because Time Is the Thing)
- 2:30 pm – Dad drops Vetri at Block 255 Jurong East Street 24.
- 4:30 pm – Most kids wrap up their lesson; Vetri’s class usually ends.
- 5:45 pm – Grandmother spots the missing slippers; school keeps quiet.
- 6:02 pm – The police get a call about a missing child.
- 6:40 pm – Vetri is finally located, soaked from a rain‑soaked walk, looking more “weather‑worm” than “teenage warrior.”
Parents’ Play‑By‑Play
Madam Leelavathi, the mom of our 38‑year‑old, claims she had an explicit 6 pm “release” call. “I let the adults handle the safety at 6 pm,” she says. Her grandma even rang the school in a panic, only to be told Vetri wasn’t on the extra lesson list.
The School’s Apology (and a pledge to fix process)
“First time in 16 years that someone ended up walking around the yard,” a spokesperson said. “We’re tightening up protocols because when you’re dealing with a child with special needs, every minute counts.”
Mother’s Verdict
“We’re pulling Vetri out straight away.”
Shortly after the incident, Vetri had a “rain‑induced” run‑off. The thigh of the kid stayed drenched, and the heat left him feeling less than “game‑on.” The school’s unique setup was a “first‑time” hiccup, and, honestly, that’s the honest version that even a wise person can nod to. The cause? A missed release, a sleepy admin, and a boy who didn’t just walk—he floated around like a lost sock.
Bottom Line
All in all, this saga reminds us that even in the most orderly environments, a teensy mistake can have a big ripple. The lesson? Never assume a child with special needs can hold the gaze of the world’s very young or mature minds, so double‑check that every door closes properly—especially when the kid can’t need a “wait‑around” just because a teacher wants to finish the story.
