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Guidance of Young Children and disciplinary practices

Our Rainbow Kids Child Care strives to build each child’s self-esteem, independence and ability to socialize in a group. This is done, primarily, through developing a child’s self-control. All guidance techniques are based upon knowledge of child development and familiarity with the child. In our program we use non-punitive forms of discipline and guidance:

1. Positive Environment

• There are choices for activities, supportive staff and an appropriately stimulating curriculum.

• Staff acts as role models, treating children and each other with respect.

• Staff and Children set reasonable and fair limits.

• Staff reinforce positive behavior.

• Flexibility is exercised.

2. Natural and Logical Consequences

• Children are not punished. Rather, there are consequences that naturally or logically follow. For example, if a child is throwing Legos he is showing that he is not able to play with them appropriately. The teacher will remind him that Legos are for building. If the action continues then the child is done with the Legos for a period of time.

3. Redirection

• Staff help/allow children to choose alternative activities. This diffuses the situation when the children do not have the abilities to deal with the situation.

4. Separation

• When a child is enraged or extremely upset, he/she may need time and assistance in calming him/herself. This is done by sitting with a child, often with a book or soothing activity. The child may always rejoin the group as soon as he is ready to do so. “Time-out” is not used in this program.

The Staff of Our Rainbow Kids Childcare believes that “Time-out,” as it is currently practiced in society, is nothing more than punishment, similar to the “dunce cap” of previous generations. If a child in the program harms another child, the caregiver will first attend to the child who is hurt, then proceed with the other child. The staff will inform both families of the incident. However, because confidentiality is a keystone of our program, we will not disclose another child’s name or information to the other family. Both the State Department of Public Health and the National Association for the Education of Young Children recommend this practice.

Communication with parents occurs on an on-going basis. Therefore, parents should always know how their children are adjusting. When parent(s)/guardian(s) and/or provider feel that behavior or another issue is not improving, a meeting to discuss next steps will be scheduled between parent(s)/guardian(s) and a provider. After this meeting the provider may give four weeks notice for either resolution or termination of services. If the Provider feels that there is an extreme problem, the child may be expelled immediately from the program.