Section 400.1913. Discipline and child handling.

Rule 13. (1) The caregiver shall develop and have on file a written policy regarding the discipline of children.

(2)      Developmentally appropriate  positive  methods  of  discipline  which encourage self-control, self-direction, self-esteem, and cooperation shall be used.

(3)   Caregiving staff shall not do any of the following:

(a)   Hit, spank, shake, bite, pinch, or inflict  other  forms  of   corporal punishment.

(b)   Restrict a child's movement by binding or tying him or her.

(c)    Inflict mental or emotional stress, such as humiliating, shaming, threatening a child, or using derogatory remarks.

(d)  Deprive a child of meals, snacks, rest, or necessary toilet use.

(e)    Confine a child in an enclosed area such as a closet, locked room, box, or similar cubicle.

(4)   Non-severe and developmentally appropriate discipline or restraint may be used when reasonably necessary to prevent a child from harming himself or herself, or to prevent a child from harming other persons or property, or to allow a child to gain control of himself or herself excluding those forms  of punishment prohibited by subrule

(3) of this rule.

(5) This rule is not subject to the variance specified in R 400.1963.

History: 2005 AACS.