The goal of any behaviour guidance is for children to learn to manage their own behaviour and interactions with others. Children will be encouraged to solve problems by identifying them, thinking about alternatives, making decisions and talking it over with their friends. Behaviour guidance is used in a positive and caring way as opposed to punishing children. It is intended to promote self-care, selfregulation and an awareness of the effects of one’s actions on others.

Minor behavioural issues are dealt with by staff as they happen through supportive re-direction. If a recurring behaviour issue occurs, staff will advise the parent and enlist support in resolving it. This may involve requesting resources from outside service providers to help resolve the situation. Working together with parents, we are confident that most issues can be resolved. All parents are required to sign/follow the Rights and Expectations of Children, Families, and Staff document which is available on our online platform, as well as review our Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Statement.

Staff are not permitted to use harsh measures that would humiliate a child, withhold basic needs, confine a child in a locked area or physically punish children. All staff, students and volunteers are required to review and sign the Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Statement upon joining the Umbrella and annually thereafter. Further, Staff are not permitted to use any of the prohibited practices as outlined by the Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014, including:

• corporal punishment of the child;

• physical restraint of the child, such as confining the child to a high chair, car seat, stroller or other device for the purposes of discipline or in lieu of supervision, unless the physical restraint is for the purpose of preventing a child from hurting himself, herself or someone else, and is used only as a last resort and only until the risk of injury is no longer imminent;

• locking the exits of the child care centre or home child care premises for the purpose of confining the child, or confining the child in an area or room without adult supervision, unless such confinement occurs during an emergency and is required as part of the licensee’s emergency management policies and procedures;

• use of harsh or degrading measures or threats or use of derogatory language directed at or used in the presence of a child that would humiliate, shame or frighten the child or undermine his or her self-respect, dignity or self-worth;

• depriving the child of basic needs including food, drink, shelter, sleep, toilet use, clothing or bedding; or

• inflicting any bodily harm on children including making children eat or drink against their will. O. Reg. 137/15, s. 48; O. Reg. 126/16, s. 34.