Behavior Management & Discipline: 

My philosophy is that discipline is used to teach a child.  I achieve this through love, consistency, and firmness.  The children are explained the rules of Cindy's Kids frequently so that they know the guidelines.  Once a child understands the rules and disobeys them the following developmentally appropriate guidance techniques will be used.  These techniques are as follows:

• Positive Reinforcement: The child will be encouraged when he/she is demonstrating acceptable behavior. 

• Redirection: The child is redirected to another activity and is allowed to demonstrate appropriate behavior at another time. 

• A brief suspension of the activity: The child is separated from the group for a developmentally appropriate time.  This technique is used when a child is exhibiting temper tantrum-type behavior or is hurting himself, others, or equipment.  When the child shows that he/she is ready to demonstrate acceptable behavior, he is encouraged to join the rest of the group and try again. 

• Last resort: When a child's behavior is continually upsetting or dangerous a conference will be called with the parents.  If the problem cannot be resolved, arrangements will be made for the child to go elsewhere for care. 

Sometimes, when both a parent and a provider are in the same area (ex. drop-off, pick-up, parties, etc.) a child may forget the rules or test the boundaries.  Please help show children that you respect me, the rules of my house, and my property by reminding them that the rules still apply when you are around.  I will also remind them of the rules and correct them if needed. 

How Cindy’s Kids and Staff interact with the children is the most important aspect of a quality childcare program.  It says everything to parents about the kind of care they can expect for their children.  Our staff is expected to treat each child with respect and to work with children positively.  IT IS THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT ATTRIBUTE A GOOD TEACHER CAN HAVE.  The ultimate goal of disciplining children should be to help them achieve self-control and learn appropriate ways of dealing with problems.  We use positive techniques of guidance to help children work towards this goal.  

When a recurring behavior is the issue it's our policy to look at what we can do to change the environment to make the child successful.  Children will have challenges in their day. It is natural and we use it as a learning tool to teach a more positive outcome.   Find time in our day to discuss behaviors, management & prevention techniques.   

**DISCIPLINE PROBLEMS ARE BEST DEALT WITH BEFORE THEY HAPPEN**  

Cindy’s Kids need caregivers to:

1. Establish a safe and trusted environment. Consistent routines and rules are key.

2. Show children you care for them. Praise often when deserved

3. Validate children’s feelings, ideas, and words by listening to them

4. Be a positive role model. Remember that children watch & learn from everything you say and do.

5. Set up the environment for success. (multiple of similar toys)

6. Offer acceptable choices.  (Have a Plan….And a backup if that does not work)

7. Allow for natural consequences. 

Cindy’s Kids will provide positive guidance, redirection, and the setting of clear boundaries to help prepare your child for school.

The learning environment at Cindy’s Kids is set up to encourage positive behavior and minimize frustration, with consistent routines and materials that can be accessed and put away independently. We explain consistent, clear rules and involve children in defining simple, clear expectations.

Cindy’s Kids Involves children in solving problems

• Planning to prevent problems and letting children know what events will happen next

• Focusing on preventing behavior problems by supporting children in learning appropriate social skills and emotional responses. 

• We use the Second Step curriculum to teach Social/Emotional skills 

Cindy’s kids will try to help the child develop self‐control, self-esteem, and respect for others

• Using a calm and respectful tone of voice

•  Respecting each child’s individual needs, desires, and feelings

•  Validating children's feelings and showing tolerance for mistakes;

•  Being responsive to children's requests and questions

• Encouraging children to share experiences, ideas, and feelings

• Modeling and teaching social skills such as taking turns, cooperation, waiting, self-control, respect for the rights of others, treating others kindly, problem-solving, and conflict resolution.

At Cindy’s Kids guidance and discipline shall be fair, consistently applied, timely, and appropriate to the behavior and age of the child.  All staff at Cindy’s Kids should follow the same rules to avoid confusion on the child.

• Explaining to children the natural and logical consequence related to the child's behavior in a reasonable and developmentally appropriate manner

• Implementing child guidance techniques consistently and appropriately, based on each child’s individual needs and the specific situation

• Offering acceptable choices

• Distracting  or helping a child change their focus

At Cindy’s Kids, we use positive statements or redirection of behaviors

• Using positive language to explain to children what they can do and give descriptive feedback

• Redirecting the child to another activity is the primary technique used when inappropriate behavior occurs. Often this is all a child needs to self-correct behavior

It is important to intervene appropriately to stop negative behavior displayed by children or adults.

• Redirecting an inappropriate conversation or behavior

• Being aware of situations that may involve hurt feelings responding appropriately, and taking action to prevent future occurrences

• Cindy’s Kids Refuses to ignore remarks about race, sex, gender, religion, disability, or age.

Cindy’s Kids  policies  explicitly prohibit any form of corporal punishment or child maltreatment including (but not limited to)

•  Hitting, slapping, shaking, striking with hand or instrument, hair pulling, pinching, tying or binding, or inflicting any other form of corporal punishment

• Mental or emotional punishment including, but not limited to, name-calling, ridicule, yelling, or threats

• Cindy’s Kids will not use non‐prescription chemical restraints for discipline or to control behavior Cindy’s Kids will not confine a child in an enclosed area, (e.g., a locked or closed room, closet, box) Forcing or withholding meals, snacks, rest, or necessary toilet use

• Cindy's Kids will not ridicule a child for toileting accidents

The caregiver shall not accept parental permission to use any form of prohibited or corporal punishment under Any situation.

DO INSTEAD OF DON’T:

• Tell children what you want them to do rather than what they need to stop doing.

• Children should not be yelled at but be talked to

• Go to the scene of a problem rather than deal with it across the room. 

Please do not yell across the room or playground.

• Children who are not involved in the situation should not be included in any part of the discipline or discussions.

• Use separations sparingly.  We do not put children in corners. We have them sit with you or away from other children.

• Be cheerful and sympathetic.

• Food or beverage is never to be withheld as a discipline device.  If children cannot sit with the other children for a meal, sit them elsewhere under supervision and provide their meal.