Positive Behaviour Guidance
POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR GUIDANCE POLICY
Purpose
To encourage and guide children’s behaviour to ensure a quality education and care service is provided to children, families and staff.
Policy
The Family Day Care Association of Qld Inc (FDCAQ) values children as creative and competent learners in their environment and aims to support all areas of children’s development by encouraging positive and healthy language and behaviour.
Procedure
The FDCAQ considers the guidance of children’s behaviour as the responsibility of children, families, Educators, staff and management. A collaborative approach to positive behaviour guidance by families and Educators is required to provide a foundation for acceptable behaviour and to promote consistency of expectations for children.
FDCAQ respects and values children as creative and competent learners with the right to being treated with dignity, justice, equity and respect. Educators will provide an environment where children share a sense of belonging, well-being, identity and connection with others.
Families and staff will share information relating to behaviour management during the enrolment process and families will be advised that any form of:
- Physical punishment,
- Isolation,
- Immobility,
- Shouting or withholding food or drink is not acceptable (by parents, staff, Educators or any other person) in the education and care service.
In addition, - Voice intonations
- Facial expressions and
- Language is to be positive and respectful
All limits to behaviour will be clearly expressed in a positive and developmentally appropriate way and reinforced consistently.
Families, staff and Educators are reminded that biting and hitting can be normal behaviours in the development of children. It is usually caused by an inability to communicate verbally. Educators will respond to any biting and hitting by attending to the victim to comfort and apply first aid.
This will be followed up by communicating in an age appropriate way with the children involved and if
required, discussing and planning with families and staff any ongoing strategies to be implemented.
Positive behaviour guidance will consider the individual needs, abilities, cultural or religious requirements of
each child and adopt a learning approach to behaviour management, in particular:
- Diverting children to more appropriate activities;
- Demonstrating appreciation for appropriate behaviour;
- Acknowledging and building on each individual’s strengths and achievements;
- Role modelling and encouraging positive and peaceful communication;
- Discussing and negotiating acceptable behaviour with children;
- Negotiating and resolving disagreements together with children;
- Including and negotiating any comments and ideas raised by children;
- Using a ‘sit and watch’ strategy for children to observe and practice acceptable behaviour; and
- Encouraging reflection by children of their behaviour and progress.
If an outcome of positive behaviour is not achieved to a satisfactory level, Educators, families and staff will
collaborate to ensure:
- Expectations and strategies are realistic and consistent with the child’s developmental level;
The expectations between the care environment and the home environment promote positive behaviour; and
- The child’s needs are being met and there are no barriers.
It is recommended that any further strategies, interventions or other plans are discussed inclusively, documented and reviewed. Educators and staff will provide information and referrals to support services, alternate care arrangements or any other support to families if necessary.
Relevant Documents
Conduct Policy Experiences for the Development of the Child Policy
HR007 - Biting Information Sheet
HT001 – Positive Behaviour Guidance Action Plan
References
GR001 - Education and Care Services National Law 2010
GR002 - Education and Care Services National Law (Qld) Act 2011
GR003 - Education and Care Service National Regulation 2011
GR006 - The Guide for the National Quality Standards
Triple P Parenting Program, Dr Matt Sanders, QLD
Building Waterfalls, C & K Association, QLD