Section 400.8140. Discipline.

Rule  140.  (1)  Positive  methods  of  discipline  that  encourage  self-control,  self- direction, self-esteem, and cooperation shall be used.

(2)  All of the following means of punishment shall be prohibited:

(a)   Hitting, spanking, shaking, biting, pinching, or inflicting other forms of corporal punishment.

(b)   Restricting a child’s movement by binding or tying him or her.

(c)    Inflicting mental or emotional punishment, such as humiliating, shaming, or threatening a child.

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

(e)   Excluding a child from outdoor play or other gross motor activities.

(f)  Excluding a child from daily learning experiences.

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

(3)   Non-severe and developmentally appropriate discipline or restraint may be used when reasonably necessary, based on a child’s development, to prevent a child from harming himself or herself or to prevent a child from harming other persons or property, excluding those forms of punishment prohibited by subrule (2) of this rule.

(4)     A policy shall be developed and implemented regarding the discipline of children. The policy shall be all of the following:

(a)   In written form.

(b)   Age appropriate.

(c)   Provided to staff and parents.

History: 2013 AACS.