Discipline – The Partner Provider must have and follow written policies on

Discipline – The Partner Provider must have and follow written policies on discipline which must be available to the child, the child’s parent(s) or guardian, and MDCPS and must include the following: 1. The policies must include positive reinforcement by praising and encouraging children when they exhibit self-control and desired behavior, and methods for protecting children and others when a child is out of control. 2. All children must be educated on the rules of the Partner Provider at the time of admittance and as rules are changed or added. The Partner Provider must maintain a current copy of the rules signed by each child stating they have read, understand, and agree to abide by all the rules of the Partner Provider. 3. The Partner Provider is responsible for thorough training of all staff members on policies and practices concerning discipline. 4. All discipline must be reasonably related to the child’s age, understanding, need, and level of behavior. 5. All discipline must be limited to the least restrictive appropriate method, administered by appropriately trained staff, and documented in the child's record. 6. The following forms of punishment are strictly forbidden by MDCPS and may not be used when disciplining a child [Use of any of these forms of discipline may result in revocation of licensure]: a. Corporal punishment; b. Punishment administered by peers; c. Assignment of excessive or inappropriate work; d. Denial of daily needs, such as meals, snacks, and program activities; e. Denial of personal and hygienic needs, including but not limited to: haircuts, feminine products, showers, etc.; f. Denial of planned visits, telephone calls, mail or contacts with family that are required by the service plan; g. Denial of personal allowances, clothing allowances, or any other funds intended for the child's use; h. Harsh, degrading or humiliating punishment, including physical or emotional abuse; or i. Verbal abuse of a child and derogatory remarks about a child or his family. 7. A child who must be isolated from his peers must be monitored by staff, with age-appropriate adult supervision and proper time frames.