33 V.S.A. § 3503: Corporal punishment prohibited

(a) As used in this chapter, “corporal punishment” means the intentional infliction of physical pain upon the body of a child as a disciplinary measure.

(b) No person employed by or agent of a licensed or registered child care facility shall inflict or cause to be inflicted corporal punishment upon a child attending the facility. However, this section does not prohibit a person from using reasonable and necessary force:

(1) to quell a disturbance;

(2) to obtain possession of dangerous objects upon the person of or within the control of a child;

(3) for the purpose of self defense; or

(4) for the protection of persons or property.