8VAC20-780-400: Behavioral guidance

A. In order to promote the child's physical, intellectual, emotional, and social well-being and growth, staff shall interact with the child and one another to provide needed help, comfort, support and:

1. Respect personal privacy;

2. Respect differences in cultural, ethnic, and family backgrounds;

3. Encourage decision-making abilities;

4. Promote ways of getting along;

5. Encourage independence and self-direction; and

6. Use consistency in applying expectations.

B. Behavioral guidance shall be constructive in nature, age and stage appropriate, and shall be intended to redirect children to appropriate behavior and resolve conflicts.

C. When time out is used as a behavior guidance technique:

1. It shall be used sparingly and shall not exceed one minute for each year of the child's age;

2. It shall be appropriate to the child's developmental level and individual needs;

3. It shall not be used with infants or toddlers;

4. The child shall be in a safe, lighted, well-ventilated place, and within actual sight and sound of a staff member; and

5. The child shall not be left alone inside or outside the center.