Guidance Methods in Day Care

Use body language to promote positive reinforcement.

Deep breathing instinctively calms the body down. The natural sound of inhaling and exhaling can be therapeutic, and relaxing while trying to asses a stressful situation. Day care providers are met with situations that can be stressful and wearisome, not only for the provider, but the children also. When met with a circumstance that requires guidance from you, the provider, step back from the situation to calm yourself before approaching it with the child, so there is a positive outcome for both provider and child.

Verbal Guidance

Respond to a situation in a positive way by redirecting the child with verbal guidance. Stern, negative language can result in a child withdrawing emotionally from the situation. Avoid these actions by using a positive voice to state rules. For example, "When you are finished playing, please put the toy away." Acknowledge the understanding of his feelings, especially if he hurt another child. For example, "I understand your feelings are hurt because little Jimmy does not want to play with you, but he is tired and would like to nap instead of play."

Distraction

Distraction works well with younger children, ages 3 and under, because their attention span is short and they change direction easily. If a child is displaying bad behavior toward another child, remove that child from the situation and redirect her to another activity. Negative behavior such as hitting, throwing or kicking another child should result in an explanation of why you are removing her from the playtime. For example, "Michelle, we are going to read a book now and let Stella play with the blocks by herself."

Reinforcement

The best way to promote a positive guidance method is to reinforce good behavior. Children thrive on praise and attention; therefore, when positive behavior is used, it needs to be properly recognized. Social recognition for the child can include a pat on the back, a smile or a wink in his direction, reports Education.com. More substantial recognition can include the child choosing a favorite art project to complete, or choosing a small prize from a reward box. Encourage positive behavior to help the child raise his self-esteem and confidence.

Ignore

Day care providers are limited in the amount of discipline they can use within the center. Ignoring bad behavior is not the act of allowing it to happen; in fact, it creates the opposite effect in children. It makes them want to act appropriately to receive any attention at all. Misbehaving is common in children, especially if they seek the attention of an adult. Avoid drawing attention to minor problems that the child is purposely creating or doing to gain attention. Instead, when the child acts appropriately, reinforce the positive behavior by showering the child with praise. Eventually, she will give up trying to gain attention through inappropriate actions.

References

• Education.com: Positive Guidance Techniques
• National Network for Child Care; Guidance and Discipline - A Developmental Approach; Lesia Oesterreich; 1995
• FamilyDoctor.org: Child Behavior: What Parents Can Do To Change Their Child's Behavior

Resources

• National Resource Center for Child Care & Early Education: State Child Care Regulations