OAR 414-210-0700. Behavior and Guidance

(1) A provider must have a written policy on behavior and guidance of children that is simple and understandable to the child, the parent(s), and all caregivers (also see OAR 414-210-0200, Policies). (2) A provider’s behavior and guidance policy must include the use of positive guidance to help children develop self-regulation, self-direction, and respect for others through these approaches: (a) Setting and teaching simple, consistent, clear and positive rules and limits that children can understand; (b) Setting up the environment for success with engaging activities that encourage positive behavior and self-regulation; (c) Reinforcing positive behaviors with encouragement and descriptive praise; (d) Taking steps to prevent problems before they occur and explaining safe, natural and logical consequences related to a child’s behavior; (e) Helping children recognize and appropriately express their feelings and understand the feelings of others; (f) Modeling and teaching social skills such as taking turns, cooperation, waiting, treating others kindly, and problem solving; and (g) Redirecting or helping a child change their focus when necessary. (3) A provider must ensure that only caregivers shall provide guidance to a child. (4) A provider must provide guidance that is fair, consistently applied, timely, and appropriate to the behavior, age, and development of the child. (5) A provider must appropriately intervene to stop the unfair treatment of a child based on the individual child’s family, gender, race, ethnicity, economic status, ability, religion, or cultural background. Interventions may include, but are not limited to: (a) Redirecting an inappropriate conversation or behavior; (b) Being aware of situations that may involve unfair treatment of a child, responding appropriately, taking actions to prevent future occurrences; and (c) Refusing to ignore the unfair treatment.