WAC 110-149-0270. Discipline

When disciplining children or youth, caregivers: (1) Must: (a) Use discipline that is appropriate to the children's or youth's age and level of development; and (b) Not use physical or verbally abusive, neglectful, humiliating, degrading, or frightening punishment including, but not limited to: (i) Hitting; (ii) Spanking; (iii) Restricting breathing; (iv) Name calling; (v) Threats or intimidation; (vi) Trapping or locking in a space; (vii) Forced physical exertion or exercise; and (viii) Other methods that interfere with the children's or youth's: (A) Basic needs, including withholding food and water; (B) Cultural needs, including cutting an Indian child's or youth's hair or taking away a religiously or culturally significant item or event; and (C) Familial connections, including removal of sentimental items or gifts from their parents or family time; and (2) May request training on how to use positive methods of guidance for children and youth that promote self-control, self-responsibility, self-direction, self-esteem, and cooperation including, but not limited to: (a) Directing them to another activity; (b) Giving them choices when appropriate; (c) Using time-in as a method of guidance, allowing them time to change their behavior; (d) Planning to prevent problems; and (e) Using positive reinforcement and encouraging them to express their feelings and ideas.