Behaviour Guidance

(Reviewed July 2004)

Philosophy

The aim of the Centre is to provide a safe, caring, relaxed and educational environment for children.
All staff will be expected to comply with the behaviour guidance standards established by the Centre.

• The program guidelines towards self-discipline for children will be
• No corporal punishment
• No use of controlling, humiliating techniques
• Positive guidance directed towards acceptable behaviour with praise freely given
• Discipline in a constructive form will be used
• Suggesting alternative acceptable behaviour
• Keeping the child busy by re-directing the activities
• Talking with the child about feelings and consequences of their behaviour
• Focusing on the inappropriate behaviour and not on the child
• Behaviour guidance and management strategies should be framed in positive language to enhance the child’s self esteem, encouraging the children to believe that acceptance does not depend upon their behaviour.
• The environment will be arranged so that disciplinary problems can be minimised i.e.) Ensuring that an adequate number of toys/equipment and stimulating experiences are available, to avoid misuse and conflict
• The activity is supervised adequately, and it is developmentally and age appropriate
• There is convenient storage available so that the children may easily assist with “packing up” and activity selection
• That there is a balance of quiet and active “user friendly” spaces for indoor and outdoor play
• The older children should be involved in the development of their group’s behaviour guidelines
• Making up their own rules gives children a greater understanding of acceptable behaviour

The “redirected time-out” behaviour management technique does not promote self-discipline in children, as it takes the responsibility of the inappropriate behaviour away from the child. Utilising “redirected time-out” does not provide children with a logical consequence for their actions, so it should therefore only be used when all other possible guidance methods have been unsuccessful. Should it be necessary to remove the child from the activity due to repeated displays of challenging behaviour he/she will be redirected away from the other children, at a quiet activity within the indoor or outdoor area to have some time away from other children, (but still within the staff member’s “line of sight”) without isolating them or demeaning them in anyway. During this period expected behaviour should be clearly explained to the child at his/her level.

If a child repetitively displays inappropriate behaviour, which is considered to be of a serious nature, an incident report will be made for the Centre records. Should the inappropriate behaviour persist the Co-ordinator & Director will determine:

• Appropriate course of action which may include requesting the removal of the child from the Centre,
• Discussion with the parent/s and/or professional support.

Non-admission may be the only option available if the child’s behaviour is such that he/she is harming others and the program is no longer able to meet the child’s needs. An incident report will be made and discussed with the Management.