All Centre employees, volunteers, or students, engaged in providing childcare at Kids Come First, are prohibited from the following practices under the Child Care and Early Years Act:

1. Corporal punishment of the child (physical punishment such as hitting, spanking, kicking, heavy pushing, shoving, grabbing, squeezing arms, ears, etc.);
2. Physical restraint of the child, such as confining the child to a high chair, car seat, stroller or other device for the purposes of discipline or in lieu of supervision, unless the physical restraint is for the purpose of preventing a 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;
3. Locking the exits of the Centre for the purpose 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.
4. 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 a child or undermine his or her self-respect, dignity or self-worth;
5. Depriving the child of basic needs including food, shelter, drink, sleep, toilet use, clothing, and bedding);
6. Inflicting any bodily harm on children including making children eat or drink against their will;
7. Sexual abuse of a child;
8. Sexual misconduct involving a child;
9. Engaging in or permitting prescribed sexual acts, as defined under the Early Childhood Educators Act, 2007, and any applicable legislation.

The Centre maintains a zero-tolerance approach to any form of sexual abuse, sexual misconduct, exploitation, or prescribed sexual acts involving a child. These behaviours are strictly prohibited under the Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014 (CCEYA), and Ontario Regulation 137/15 applicable legislation, and this policy. Any allegation, suspicion, or disclosure of such conduct will be treated as a serious matter and will be addressed immediately in accordance with the Centre’s Child Protection Policy, Serious Occurrence Policy, Duty to Report obligations, and any other applicable legal or regulatory reporting requirements.

Corporal punishment and other harmful disciplinary practices are forbidden in order to protect the emotional and physical well-being of children.  These practices are never permitted at the Centre.  Rather, the 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 behavior.

Positive Social Interaction

In accordance with the Centre’s program statement and the Child Care and Early Years Act, the Centre will support positive interactions between children, families, staff and the community, rather than “managing” a child’s behaviour. Research has shown that children who attend programs where they experience warm, supportive relationships are happier, less anxious and more motivated to learn than those who do not.  Further, by responding positively to children’s cues and engaging in reciprocal interactions with them, we are supporting the development of secure relationships.  Experiencing positive relationships in early childhood also has significant long-term impacts on physical and mental health, and success in school and beyond.

In using a positive approach to guide children, employees should use the following methods in their interactions with children in order to establish and maintain positive interactions:

1. Positive role-modeling by demonstrating appropriate ways of interacting
2. Providing logical consequences for behavior
3. Using a calm voice
4. Providing consistent messaging to children
5. Speaking at children’s level
6. Asking for assistance when required
7. Following through on agreed upon messages
8. Redirecting to appropriate activities or behaviours
9. Providing opportunities for self-regulation by outlining appropriate choices for children and supporting a child’s ability to gain control
10. Adhering to Kids Come First’s program statement and philosophy

Rather than reprimanding children for undesirable behaviours, Employees should assist the child in finding new ways to achieve their goals.  For example:

1. Look for the root cause of behavior
2. Reduce stressors
3. Support children’s efforts to initiate and join in play with others
4. Acknowledge that each child is competent, curious and rich in potential
5. Give choice whenever and wherever possible,
6. Notice, acknowledge and document positive interactions and attempts at self-regulation, and share this information with the child and family to gain insight

Remember at all times that a child should feel a sense of belonging among children, adults and the world around them.