Discipline

Positive Discipline Techniques

At the NIST CCC, we view discipline as a system of guidelines, a framework within which children can operate in safely. Our positive discipline approach is a process of assisting children to understand and use constructive behaviors. Our goal is to teach appropriate forms of behavior, not to punish the child for his/her inappropriate behavior. At all times, our positive discipline techniques will be appropriate to the child's developmental level. Physical punishment, threats, shaming or humiliation of the child is never permitted. Natural or logical consequences that are related to the misbehavior of the child are used whenever appropriate. "Time Outs" are not used at the NIST Child Care Center, since we perceive that they have a very limited effectiveness in this busy environment. The following positive discipline techniques are used on a daily basis to help a child with his/her behavior:

Prevention: The right combination of materials and equipment, time and space, and a healthy emotional climate works wonders in creating an environment that keeps conflict at a minimum and is conducive to a child’s development.

Positive Redirection: The basic procedure used in our program is positive redirection, which involves redirecting unacceptable behavior to an acceptable alternative.

Modeling: Teacher-modeled appropriate behavior and communication are provided to help children learn responsibility for their actions. Limit Setting: We have a few clear, simple rules that vary according to the developmental level of the children. The teachers explain to the children what they can do in a caring, positive tone, and encourage the child’s efforts when he/she complies.

Problem Solving: We appeal to the child’s growing intellectual and moral reasoning by using natural and logical consequences and asking questions to encourage problem solving. Teachers help children identify their feelings, needs, and alternative appropriate behaviors.

Managing Behavior: When a child has a physical or emotional outburst, we provide comfort and privacy. This allows the child time to regain composure and insures the safety of other children and staff. We may briefly separate the child from the group to allow him/her a “cool-down” time, an opportunity to calm down and relax in order to regain composure in order to quickly return to the group. Cool-down time is not punishment. It is a quiet, relaxed neutral break, a cooling-off period in order for the child to regain self-control. With help from a caring teacher, the child is encouraged to return to the group as soon as he/she is able to participate.

Biting Policy (Toddlers)

Our program recognizes that biting is, unfortunately, not unexpected when toddlers are in group care. We are always upset when children are bitten in our program, and we recognize how upsetting it is for parents. While we feel that biting is never the right thing for toddlers to do, we know that they bite for a variety of reasons. Most of these reasons are not related to behavior problems. Our program, then, does not focus on punishment for biting, but on effective techniques that address the specific reason for the biting.

When biting occurs, we have three main responses:

1. Care for and help the child who was bitten.
2. Help the child who bit learn alternative behavior.
3. Work with the child who bit and examine our program to stop the biting.

Our teachers express strong disapproval of biting. They work to keep children safe and to help the child who bit learn different, more appropriate behavior. When there are episodes of ongoing biting, we develop a plan of specific strategies, techniques, and timelines to address it. We do not and will not use any response that harms a child or is known to be ineffective.

We give immediate attention and, if necessary, first aid to children who are bitten. The wound will be cleaned with soap and water, and ice will be applied if the child is willing. If children are bitten and the skin is broken, we recommend that they be seen by their physician.

When children bite, their parents are informed personally and privately the same day, and given a completed incident form. When children are bitten, their parents are informed personally that day and given a completed incident form to sign. When we experience ongoing biting in a toddler room, we develop a written plan with specific strategies, techniques, and timelines to work on the problem.

Biting is always documented on our standard incident form. It is completed and signed by the teacher and/or Director /Assistant Director. It must also be signed by the parent to acknowledge the behavior of their child and to discuss future behavior modifications.. One copy is given to the parents and the other copy is kept on file in our office. We keep the name of the child who bit confidential. This is to avoid labeling and to give our teachers the opportunity to use their time and energy to work on stopping the biting.