LAC 28:CLXV.325. Behavior Management

A. Behavior management requirements contained in this Section shall apply to any family child care provider, in-home child care provider, school child care center, or military child care center. B. Provider shall develop, implement, and follow a written behavior management policy describing the methods of behavior guidance and management that shall be used at the site. C. The behavior management policy shall prohibit: 1. physical or corporal punishment which includes but is not limited to yelling, slapping, spanking, yanking, pinching, other measures producing physical pain, putting anything in the mouth of the child, requiring a child to exercise, or placing a child in an uncomfortable position; 2. verbal abuse; 3. the threat of prohibitive action even if there is no intent to follow through with the threat; 4. being disciplined by another child, being bullied by another child, or being deprived of food or beverages; 5. being restrained in high chairs or feeding tables for disciplinary purposes; and 6. having active play time withheld for disciplinary purposes. D. Time Out 1. Time out shall not be used for children under age two. 2. A time out shall take place within sight of staff. 3. The length of each time out shall be based on the age of the child and shall not exceed one minute per year of age. E. The behavior management policy shall establish steps for addressing behaviors identified by the provider as dangerous and/or out of control behaviors. Suspension or expulsion should only be considered as a final action after the implementation of behavior support strategies, including at a minimum: 1. engaging parents by written communication and/or parent conference; and 2. providing a referral to EarlySteps, Child Search, and/or mental health consultant, if appropriate.