I don’t have the literature like some do here and the actual law written out but I worked in a private school in NY for almost 4 years and it most certainly is illegal. Every year before school starts we have in-service week, and a good portion of that time is spent going over such rules and regulations. Corporal punishment is 100% illegal and not only a fire able offense but nowadays not only would the school get fined, you could be brought up on charges. We also can’t put sun block on children without a written note from parents, signed by the headmaster and teacher. I personally was a very affectionate teacher, i believe as a Morah ( not rebbe) that my 4 and 5 year olds benefitted from that level of love and affection, but I also knew where to draw the line. I was more touchy than other teachers and no one seemed to mind. If I had been in a public school however, I would have kept my hands to myself.
