Library: Policy

340:110-3-92. Discipline and behavior guidance

Revised 6-1-22

(a) Positive guidance.  Discipline and behavior guidance is developmentally appropriate, responsive to the circumstances, constructive, and provides learning opportunities.  The caregiver:

(1) recognizes and encourages acceptable behavior;

(2) teaches by example and uses fair and consistent rules in a relaxed atmosphere with discipline relevant to the child's behavior;

(3) supervises with an attitude of understanding and firmness;

(4) redirects children by stating alternatives when behavior is unacceptable;

(5) when necessary, intervenes as quickly as possible ensuring the safety of all children;

(6) gives clear directions and provides guidance appropriate to the child's development;

(7) speaks so children understand his or her feelings are acceptable but unacceptable action or behavior is not;

(8) encourages children to control his or her own behavior, cooperate with others, and solve problems by talking things out;

(9) uses safe, natural, and logical consequences to address inappropriate behavior; and

(10) uses time-out or time-away when other discipline methods are ineffective. 

(A) Caregivers use this method only with children 2 years of age and older when:

(i) necessary for the child to regain self-control;

(ii) the child has the ability to learn from it; and

(iii) appropriate supervision is maintained.

(B) The child may sit quietly or participate in an individual activity.

(C) Time-out is limited to one minute or less for each year of age.  However, when self-control is regained in less time, the child may rejoin an ongoing activity.

(b) Acts prohibited.  The caregiver is prohibited from:

(1) subjecting children to punishment of a physical nature, such as shaking, hitting, striking with an object, spanking, biting, swatting, thumping, pinching, popping, shoving, spatting, yanking, hair pulling, slamming, excessive or forced exercise, or any cruel treatment that may cause pain;

(2) subjecting children to punishment of a psychological nature, such as rejecting, neglecting, or humiliating a child, making derogatory or sarcastic remarks about children or families, or using harsh or profane language, or making actual or implied threats of physical punishment;

(3) punishing or threatening children in association with:

(A) education, such as writing repetitive sentences and homework; and

(B) physical needs, such as:

(i) withdrawing, denying, or forcing food, rest, or toileting; and

(ii) withdrawing or denying outdoor play or a weather alternate activity; and

(4) putting anything in or on a child's mouth as punishment;

(5) exposure to extreme temperatures;

(6) seeking or accepting parental permission to use any punishment or act prohibited, per this subsection;

(7) restraining or tying to restrict a child's movement by any means other than holding.  Holding is used only as long as is necessary for the child to regain control;

(8) isolating a child without supervision or placing the child in a dark area;

(9) permitting a child to discipline other children; and

(10) punishing an entire group due to the actions of a few children.