Discipline Policy
One of our goals at RUMC-ECDC is to help the child develop inner control so that he/she may move toward appropriate social behavior. As young children discover their own personalities, responsibilities, and independence, they may encounter difficulties with other children and rules. We believe discipline helps children learn to live within their community, develop self control & respect the rights of others. The purpose of the Discipline Policy is to inform parents of the guidance techniques we use when help is needed in directing children towards self-discipline.
At RUMC-ECDC, we use “redirection” to guide children toward appropriate behavior. If a child is engaged in behavior non-conducive to a safe and happy learning environment, the teacher will “redirect” the child toward appropriate behavior.
We will work with children and parents as much as possible to correct negative behavior patterns. In situations where redirection no longer works, the discipline policy will be followed.
- Seven (7) steps the Center will use to communicate with parents about children’s behaviors
- The Discipline Policy will be issued to set standards for the behavior expected while at the Center.
- Daily notes to alert parents of areas that need attention or improvement.
- Telephone calls.
- Short chats during drop-off and pick-up.
- Conference with parents.
- Suspension from the center (# of days will be determined on a case by case basis).
- Severe Clause- (Dismissal).
- Types of Punishment NOT Allowed at RUMC-ECDC
- Corporal punishment (hitting, shaking, pinching, biting back, etc.)
- Withdrawal or the threat of withdrawal of food, rest or bathroom opportunities.
- Abusive or profane language.
- Humiliation, including threats of physical punishment.
- Emotional abuse (rejecting, ignoring, isolating, etc.)
- Using any food product or medication in any manner that is not its intended purpose.
- Inappropriate disciplinary behavior (i.e. putting soap or pepper in a child’s mouth)
- Isolation out of the view of a caregiver.
- Inappropriate use of time-out.
- Forcing children to sit at a table or in high chairs for long periods of time.
- Biting is one of the most common & most difficult behaviors in group child care. It is always upsetting when children are bitten, and we recognize how upsetting it is for parents. Excessive biting will be addressed in the following manner.
- Excessive biting is defined as 3 or more times a week.
- Creepers and K-1
- The parents will be notified and asked to address the issue.
- If biting continues, a conference will be held with parents and Director.
- Student will be sent home for the remainder of the day.
- Dismissal from ECDC
- K-2, K3, K4 and Afterschool
- First bite, the parents will be notified and asked to address the issue.
- Second bite, the child will be sent home for the remainder of the day.
- Third bite, the child will be dismissed from ECDC.
- Actions Taken by the Caregiver When a Bite Occurs
- Console the victim; remove the biter from the group.
- Clean the bite with antiseptic & apply bandage.
- Apply ice pack.
- Notify the parent if the bite has broken the skin. (parents of BOTH children will be notified)
- Complete a written bite report & issue to parent on each & every bite; neither report will include theother party’s name due to child/Center confidentiality.
- Actions a Caregiver at RUMC-ECDC is NOT Allowed to Take When a Child Bites
- Physically hurt a child to punish them for biting.
- Put anything into a child’s mouth.
- Withdraw love or food from a child.
- Keep a child in isolation.
- Break child/Center confidentiality.
- The use or presence of alcohol, tobacco or illegal drugs is prohibited in the building or anywhere on the grounds by any staff, parent, child or visitor.
- Smoking is NOT allowed in the facility or in the parking lot, and we ask parents to not dispose of cigarettes on the grounds.
- Guns, pocket knives and any other object that could be used as a weapon are not permitted in our facility or on the premises; this includes toy guns.
- Generally animals are not part of the Center’s day to day operations. However, small animals such as hamsters, fish or gerbils, may be used in the classrooms to teach responsibility and caring.
- Parents of children with any allergies to such animals need to notify us at once.
Accident Reports
Although many precautions are taken to ensure a safe environment, occasional incidents do and will occur as children explore the world around them.
If an incident or injury occurs, first aid is administered, and an accident report is filled out to keep on file with a copy given to you. This report will describe the nature of the incident and the follow-up care that was provided.
Please understand that in a group care setting, we do witness most incidents, but occasionally there may be an incident which we do not see.