(KLA) Handbook

BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT & DISCIPLINE POLICIES

The early years are critical in a child’s development. The Center believes it is important to model and teach appropriate behavior from the first day your child is in our care. A child’s ability to succeed in relationships with others is strongly influenced by their ability to interact appropriately in a social environment. Our desire is to help the children learn acceptable behavior in a place where they feel security, peace, and joy. General Rules 1) A child is not permitted to behave in a manner in which they may hurt themselves or another person, or damage any property. 2) Children are expected to treat the teachers respectfully, while being allowed to express themselves and being respected in return. 3) Profanity is not allowed. KLA will: 1) Guide children’s behavior based on an understanding of the individual child’s needs and stage of development; 2) Promote the child’s developmentally-appropriate social behavior, self-control, and respect for the rights of others; 3) Prevent and prohibit any staff member or volunteer from using cruel, unusual, hazardous, frightening or humiliating discipline, including, but not limited to: (a)Corporal punishment including jerking, shaking, spanking, slapping, hitting, kicking, flicking or any other means of inflicting physical pain or causing bodily harm to the child, (b)Verbal abuse such as yelling, shouting, name calling, making derogatory remarks about a child or the child’s family, or using language that threatens, humiliates, or frightens a child, (c)The use of a physical restraint method injurious to the child, such as a KLA is required to report anyone using cruel, unusual, hazardous, frightening or humiliating discipline. ( See Child Abuse and Neglect) In emergency situations, a staff may use physical restraint when: 1) Protecting a person on the premises from serious injury, 2) Obtaining possession of a weapon or other dangerous object, or 3) Protecting property from serious damage. Staff is required to document any incident involving the use of physical restraint. Parents will be provided an incident report if physical restraint was used. We endeavor to provide an interactive environment for the children, which will reduce frustration experienced when in a group setting. We will also re-direct children to locked time-out room or closet for disciplinary purposes, and (d)The using or withholding of food or liquids as punishment.