POSITIVE GUIDANCE

Policies are designed to help children develop self control, self esteem and respect for the rights of others. Children will to learn to be kind to one another, to take turns, to learn patience and tolerance. Children will not be allowed to hit, kick, pinch, bite, physically or verbally abuse anyone (fellow students or staff).

Our policy includes three actions: prevention, role modeling and action.

Prevention:

Staff will provide a safe environment which encourages children in cooperative play. Room arrangements will minimize traffic and congestion and will allow for quiet and active play without disruptions. All materials will have a specified location and will be clearly

labeled for ease of use and replacement. Each child will have a cubby labeled with his/her name and photo for placement of personal belongings.

Staff will be prepared each day with planned activities for the children as well as designated times for free play. Activities will be age appropriate to discourage frustration. Staff will establish a routine in the classroom so that children know what to expect which will also limit frustration and confusion which can lead to behavior problems. Children will be provided with plenty of choices and free time so they do not feel rushed or constrained.

Staff will monitor and evaluate room arrangement, daily schedule, and curriculum and make changes as necessary. The Center Director and Administrator will observe and evaluate classroom environment and overall student temperament as well.

Role modeling appropriate behavior:

Staff will maintain a calm demeanor using calm and “normal to quiet” voice levels and tone. Staff will use appropriate language to express feelings and requests. Directions will be given in a positive way indicating what they WANT children to do, not what they DON’T want children to do (i.e., “Let’s put the toys in the basket.” instead of “Don’t put the toys on the shelf.”) Staff will demonstrate positive body language, will provide encouraging words to struggling students and will encourage a positive atmosphere in the classroom.

Action — Handling behavior issues should they arise:

Staff will be aware of warning signs: elevated voices, mood changes, visible frustration, erratic behavior and confusion. Staff will be aware of the developmental level of each child. Developmental charts and reference books are available to provide needed information for parents and staff. If staff cannot find what they are looking for, they will ask for assistance from the Center Director and/or the Administrator. Staff will regard misbehavior as learning opportunities and will help children correct their behavior. Staff will guide problem solving and assist in the process of conflict resolution.

Discussion, mentoring and redirection will be the main behavior tools used at the Center. Staff will try to understand the cause of the behavior and investigate to find out exactly what happened. Each child will have the opportunity to voice his/her concerns and feelings. Staff will
work with the children involved to have them brainstorm ways in which to resolve and prevent the problem in the problem. Conversations about consequences and the feelings of others will be held with the student. In most cases, staff will redirect children to a more appropriate activity and may limit the amount of choices a student has to avoid over stimulation and potential behavior issues.

A short time out may be used for older students if other strategies for handling the misbehavior fail. Time outs will be used as an interruption of the behavior, and will be followed with a discussion about desirable behavior. Time outs will occur in the immediate setting, within sight and sound of a staff member and in a designated area. While in a time out, the child may be asked to write about their feelings (for older children) or to work on an activity. The following guidelines will be used in determining the length of a time out:

Under age 3 years = time out will never be used
3 years old = no more than 3 minutes
4 years old = no more than 4 minutes
5 years old and older = no more than 5 minutes

At the end of the time out, the staff member will again talk to the child about the behavior, give the child reassurance and redirect him/her to an appropriate activity.

Separation of a child from the group may only occur if all less intrusive methods of guidance have been ineffective. When separate from the group, the child must be located within sight and sound of a staff member. While separated, the child may be asked to write about their feelings or to work on an activity (for younger children). The child may rejoin the group when his/her behavior has been brought under control. The child will be returned to the group at the earliest opportunity.

When physical injury is involved in a conflict, staff will follow the Health Policy procedures for treatment of injuries. Staff will inform the Center Director of the incident as well as report the injury to the parent of the injured child. The name of the child who caused the injury will be withheld form the injury log and will not be given to the parent of the injured child. Staff members will respect and protect the rights o the individual children.

Prohibited Actions (even at parent request):

In compliance with State Licensing rules, Once Upon a Time Child Care Center strictly prohibits the following actions:

• Actions that are aversive, cruel, humiliating or frightening
• Actions that may be psychologically, emotionally, or physically painful, discomforting, dangerous or potentially injurious
• Spanking, hitting, pinching, shaking, slapping, twisting or inflicting any other form of corporal punishment
• Verbal abuse, threats or derogatory remarks about the child or the child’s family
• Physical restraint, binding or tying to restrict movement or enclosing in a confined space such as a closet, locked room, box or similar cubicle.
• Withholding or forcing meals, snacks or naps
• Punishment for lapses in toilet training

Inappropriate discipline of a child by a staff member is not tolerated and will be reported to the State of Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services licensing department within 24 hours after the occurrence under s. HFS 46.04(3) (j).