I think it's wrong, no matter what. In kindergarten, at school, or at home.

I worked in a kindergarten, and the only "physical" thing I'd do to kids was to hold them by the arm/hand if I was telling them off and wanted to make sure I had their attention, or to pull them away from somewhere or carry them inside whenever they refused to come inside to eat or change their diapers/change clothes or whatever.

I would never inflict pain on a child. I don't have kids of my own, but if I did, I wouldn't smack or hit them either.

I really can't think of a situation where telling a child off or punishing them in a non-violent way (sanctions) would not be sufficient.

Sour Girl

Have you sent a written complaint to the school? This really needs to be done because a letter can't be swept under the carpet it has to be dealt with formally.

I wouldn't make a circus of it - your boy's been through enough - but the teacher does need to be disciplined. It's never right for a teacher to hit a child, full stop.

My little brother-in-law has aspergers and there are times where I would dearly love to thump him... no matter if you're being spat at, screamed at or hit at you must never react with violence and teachers should be a leading example of this. No one is exempt from that rule. Something has to be done.

Keep us up to date on your progress.