This Policy forbids physical punishment and other harmful disciplinary practices to protect the emotional and physical well-being of children. The goal is to support the overall well-being of children and young children benefit from an affirming approach that encourages positive interactions with other children and with adults, rather than from a negative or punitive approach to managing unwanted behaviour. All staff are required to read and sign the following Prohibited Practices Policy, stating understanding and agreement to adhere to the following policy:
Child’s Paradise will not permit:
- Corporal punishment of the child
- Physical restraint of the child, such as confining the child to a piece of equipment for the purposes of discipline or in lieu of supervision unless the physical restraint is for preventing the child from hurting himself, herself, or someone else, and is used only as a last resort and only until the risk of injury is no longer imminent.
- Locking the exits of the childcare centre for the purposes of confining the child or confining the child in an area or room without adult supervision, unless such confinement occurs during an emergency and is required as part of the licensee’s emergency management policies and procedures.
- Use of harsh or degrading measures or threats or use of derogatory language directed at or used in the presence of a child that would humiliate, shame, or frighten the child or undermine his/her self-respect, dignity, or self-worth.
- Depriving the child of basic needs including food, drink, shelter, sleep, toilet use, clothing, or bedding
- Inflicting any bodily harm on children including making children eat or drink against their will.
Contravention of Prohibited Practices
Anyone who disregards any policy or procedure of the centre or who demonstrates misconduct of any kind may be subject to discipline at the discretion of the Centre Management/Board of Directors. Without limiting management discretion, discipline will be progressive and as follows. Failure to comply could result in the following measures:
§ A verbal warning will be issued to the employee/student/volunteer by the Supervisor/Administrator
§ A written warning will be issued to the employee by the Supervisor/Administrator
§ Dismissal or termination of an employee/student/volunteer
§ Childcare space may be terminated in the case of a parent/guardian not adhering to the Centre’s Prohibited Practices Policy within the Centre (please also see Parent Issues and Concerns Policy regarding harassment and discrimination).
When determining which disciplinary measure will be taken, the following criteria will be considered by the Management/Board of Directors: The seriousness of the offence, the action, or potential risk, or harm to the child, the past and recent performance of the employee/student/volunteer/guardian, The frequency of occurrence, Previous disciplinary action taken.
Any Form of Physical Punishment with A Child Will Result in Immediate Dismissal of The Employee.
Review and Sign-Off
The Prohibited Practices Policy will be reviewed prior to working with children for the first time and annually thereafter with each staff, student and volunteer. After reviewing the policies and procedures each person must sign and date the review and sign off sheet.
The Supervisor reviews the prohibited practices policy annually to ensure that it is appropriate and up to date.
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