The Rockville Centre School District is conducting a thorough review of its supervision practices after it confirmed that one of its Kindergarten students climbed a fence and walked home during the middle of the day, yesterday.

District officials said the serious incident happened during an outdoor activity when the 5-year-old left the playground area at Riverside Elementary School.

The boy's family told News 12 exclusively that the child has autism and was walking alone for about 12 minutes, making the half-mile journey from the school back home. Shockingly, the child walked both residential and busy main roads without being detected by anyone.

The incident left parents demanding answers as they dropped their kids off for school today.

"I was just looking at a group chat and then I saw a kid leaving the school," Riverside Elementary School parent Julissa Vazquez said. "I'm just figuring out what time of day? Were there teachers there? Who was it? I didn't even know if it was my son or not."

Rockville Centre Police told News 12 the school district placed a 911 call at 11:16 a.m. First responders did a wellness check at the child's home 10 minutes later, where they found him safely inside.

Other parents defended the district and called the incident a one-off, isolated situation.

"Unfortunately, it happened, but I know the people here," Riverside Elementary School parent Zachary Kranitz said. "I know all the people who take care of my child. I’m very happy with the school. They’re good people, things happen unfortunately.”

As part of its audit, the district said it is retraining all staff on active supervision practices, strengthening headcount and line-up procedures and reviewing campus security, including fencing and gates.

"We know this news may cause concern," Rockville Centre Superintendent of Schools Matthew Gaven wrote in a letter to parents today. "We want to assure you that your child’s safety is, and will remain, our top priority."

Tonight, the Rockville Centre Board of Education will hold its regularly scheduled meeting at the Wm. H. Johnson Administration building starting at 7 p.m. The meeting includes a superintendent's report and an opportunity for parents to speak out publicly.