Section 630. Behavioral guidance

A. Caregivers shall use positive methods of discipline. Discipline shall be constructive in nature and include techniques such as:

1. Using limits that are fair, consistently applied, appropriate, and understandable for the child's level of development;

2. Providing children with reasons for limits;

3. Giving positively worded direction;

4. Modeling and redirecting children to acceptable behavior;

5. Helping children to constructively express their feelings and frustration to resolve conflict; and

6. Arranging equipment, materials, activities, and schedules in a way that promotes desirable behavior.

B. When time out is used as a discipline 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 circumstances;

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

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

5. The child shall not be left alone inside or outside the home while separated from the group.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 26, Issue 07, eff. July 1, 2010.

Statutory Authority

§§ 63.2-217, 63.2-1701, and 63.2-1734 of the Code of Virginia.