Staff Discipline & Behavior Guidance Policy
(Ages 1 Year Old – 5th Grade)
In accordance with the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), all employees of Bumble Bee Daycare & Learning Center Inc. are required to follow developmentally appropriate discipline practices that promote safety, positive behavior, and emotional growth for children ages 1 year old through 5th grade.
Discipline is intended to teach and guide, not punish, and must always support children’s self-regulation, dignity, and well-being.
Staff Responsibilities for Behavior Guidance
All staff must:
- Use age-appropriate, respectful, and positive guidance at all times.
- Model appropriate behavior and language for children.
- Ensure discipline practices are consistent, fair, and developmentally appropriate.
- Maintain constant supervision and prioritize safety.
Approved Discipline Practices (Staff Must Use)
Staff are required to use the following strategies:
1. Positive Guidance & Redirection
Clearly explain expectations, identify unsafe behavior, and redirect children toward appropriate choices or activities.
2. Verbal Guidance & Teaching
Use calm, respectful language to help children understand expectations and consequences.
3. Natural and Logical Consequences
Apply consequences that are directly related to the behavior (e.g., removing a toy used unsafely).
4. Calm-Down and Emotional Regulation Support
- Support children in calming strategies within the classroom.
- Children must remain supervised at all times.
- No isolation, no fixed time limits, and no exclusion as punishment.
5. Problem-Solving & Restorative Practices
Guide children—especially older students—to reflect, repair harm, and practice appropriate behavior.
6. Documentation & Family Communication
- Complete Incident Reports for serious or repeated behaviors.
- Notify administration immediately of safety concerns.
- Collaborate with families and on-site supports (ABA, BCBA, Speech, OT, PT) when appropriate.
Prohibited Discipline Practices
Staff must not use:
- Corporal punishment of any kind
- Humiliation, ridicule, or verbal abuse
- Isolation or confinement
- Fixed time-out methods, including thinking chairs
- Withholding food, rest, or bathroom use
- Physical or emotional neglect
Any violation of these prohibitions will result in immediate disciplinary action, up to and including termination and reporting to DCF.
Safety, Threats, & Weapons
Staff must immediately report any threats, aggressive behavior, or possession of a weapon to administration.
Safety incidents may result in immediate removal of the child from care and further administrative action.
Serious incidents may be reported to DCF or appropriate authorities.