Caregiver Code of Conduct

Our Philosophy and Practice toward the Humand Treatment of Children

  1. We do not allow any corporal punishment (i.e. hitting, biting, or any form of physical punishment as a method of disciplining) by anyone, anywhere in any and all of the center's activities. We do not restrain a child unless she/he is presenting a danger to her/himself or to others. In such cases, we use the least restrictive restraint possible to protect the child and/or others.
  2. We consider the children's safety is our primary goal. We do not allow a child to be hurt or, to hurt her/himself or another person--adult or child. We monitor the physical plant continually to remove potentially unsafe conditions.
  3. We insure that children are supervised at all times and never left alone, knowing that children out of sight are at risk for accidents.
  4. We treat each child as having equal value, regardless of race, creed, color, religion, family background, or economic status.
  5. We maintain appropriate expectations for each child based upon the child's developmental age, needs and abilities.
  6. We interact with children at eye level, speaking directly to them and not from a distance or from across the room.
  7. We are aware of our body language, knowing that young children perceive not only what we say but how we communicate through our actions.
  8. We insure that conversations are age appropriate and sincere. We do not use vulgarity, sarcasm, teasing, nagging, scolding nor judgmental words. We do not embarrass, humiliate, intimidate, nor physically/verbally threaten a child in an attempt to make the child behave.
  9. We communicate in a respectful manner to children and parents, both in tone and in volume. A voice may be raised only when there is imminent danger to a child or when directions are being given to a specific group out-of-doors.
  10. We recognize that accidents and mistakes are an essential part of a young child's learning process. These events are acknowledged as teachable moments for skill development in cause/effect, consequences, problem solving, etc.; they are not used as events for punishment.
  11. We understand that physical nurturing is an important element of communication and growth. We may initiate and return signs of affection to and from children, such as hugs. We may physically hold and carry children who seek and are comfortable with such attention.
  12. We respect children's need for personal space and hug/hold children only if they wish it. We do not tolerate touch that is uncomfortable to the child, such as tickling, roughhousing, pulling, yanking, etc.
  13. We strive to eliminate unsafe behavior by anticipating it ahead of time through close supervision.
  14. We manage children's behavior using redirection, distraction, logical consequences, modeling, limit setting, expectations and choice. We support children's growth of acceptable and appropriate behaviors by positive reinforcement when they are behaving accordingly.
  15. We help children establish limits for their physical aggression through supported practice in developing peer problem solving skills, aiding in their abilities to deal with conflict situations.
  16. We do not withhold food as a condition, punishment, or discipline. We do not force a child to eat or use food as a reward, bribe or contingency.
  17. We respect parents for their knowledge and concern for their child. We strive to form partnerships with parents for the well-being of their child/ren and to treat each family fairly and equally.
  18. We keep information about children and families confidential and professional while interacting with other professionals and members of our community. We respect confidentiality and professionalism when we discuss children amongst ourselves.
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