TOUCH AND DISCIPLINE POLICY

TOUCH POLICY:

1. Give recognition to the importance of physical contact to child nurturing and guidance.

2. Have respect to personal privacy and personal space of children.

3. Show responsibility towards situation affecting the safety and well being of child (i.e., holding the hand of a child when crossing the street; holding a child gently but firmly during a temper tantrum).

4. Role model appropriate touching by hugs, lap sitting, reassuring touches on the shoulder, and naptime backrubs.

Inappropriate touching involves the following:

1. Coercion or other forms of exploitation of the child’s lack of knowledge.

2. Satisfaction of adult needs at the expense of the child.

3. An attempt to change child behavior with adult physical force often applied in anger.

4. Violation of laws against sexual contact between adults and children.

5. Inappropriate behavior also includes forced goodbye kisses, corporal punishment, slapping, striking or pinching, tickling for prolonged periods, fondling or molestation.

DISCIPLINE POLICY

1. Simple, understandable rules will be established so that expectations and limitations are clearly defined.

2. Discipline will be constructive in nature, including such methods as diversion, separation of child from situation, praise of appropriate behavior; or gentle physical restraint such as holding.

Child will not be punished by:

1. Spanking, pinching, shaking, or other corporal punishment.

2. Isolation away from adult sight/contact.

3. Confinement in closets, boxes, or similar places.

4. Binding to restrain movement of mouth or limb.

5. Humiliation or verbal abuse.

6. Deprivation of meals, snack, outdoor play opportunities, or other program components. Short-term restrictions on the use of specific play materials and equipment or participation in a specific activity are permissible.

7. Extended periods of “time outs” (e.g., in excess of one minute per year of age.)

8. A child may not be punished for lapses in toilet training or refusing food.

9. Highchairs and cribs will not be used for discipline purposes.

10. Biting polices will focus on modifying child behavior within the existing environment rather than “suspending” the child.

Sign below to confirm that you have read, understand, and agree with the policies above.

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Parent/Guardian Signature Required Date