Discipline must be:
1) individualized and consistent for each child;
2) appropriate to the child’s level of understanding; and
3) directed toward teaching the child acceptable behavior and self-control.
A caregiver may only use positive methods of discipline and guidance that encourage self-esteem, self-control and self-direction,which include at least the following:
1) using praise and encouragement of good behavior instead of focusing only upon unacceptable behavior;
2) reminding a child of behavior expectations daily by using clear, positive statements;
3) redirecting behavior using positive statements; and
4) using brief supervised separation or time out from the group, when appropriate for the child’s age and development, which is limited to no more than one minute per year of the child’s age.
There must be no harsh, cruel, or unusual treatment of any child. The following types of discipline and guidance are prohibited:
1) corporal punishment or threats of corporal punishment;
2) punishment associated with food, naps or toilet training;
3) grabbing or pulling a child;
4) putting anything in or on a child’s mouth;
5) humiliating, ridiculing, rejecting or yelling at a child;
6) subjecting a child to harsh, abusive or profane language;
7) placing a child in a locked or dark room, bathroom or closet;
8) placing a child in a restrictive device for time out;
9) withholding active play or keeping a child inside as a consequence for behavior, unless the child is exhibiting behavior during active play that requires a brief supervised separation or time out that is consistent with 746.2803(4)(D); and
10) requiring a child to remain silent or inactive for inappropriately long periods of time for the child’s age.