Did you know?

Licensing requires that child care programs use positive discipline and guidance in their classrooms.

Positive discipline creates an environment where children trust their teacher and know what to expect throughout the day. When conflict happens, teachers help children navigate it and learn from it. They guide children’s behaviors and teach them how to manage their emotions

Questions to Ask Prior to Enrollment:

1. Can I see and read your discipline policy?

Policies should focus on teaching rather than reprimanding. The policy may mention phrases like positive discipline, positive guidance and redirection.

2. How is your program structured?

Look for a balance of play and learning. Consider how your child will transition into the program.

3. How do you teach about and respond to children’s emotions?

Look for ways that a program helps children identify and manage emotions. They may follow a social-emotional curriculum, or you may see pictures of emotion faces on the walls.

4. Do you have a suspension and expulsion policy?

Look for policies where suspension and expulsion are not an option or are the last actions taken after implementing a behavior plan. If they don’t have a policy, ask, “What actions do you take prior to asking a family to leave your program?”