1. A. A certified provider and all individual backup providers shall sign a written agreement to abide by the Department’s policy on developmentally appropriate discipline.
2. B. Only a provider may discipline a child in care;

3. C. A provider may physically restrain a child whose behavior is uncontrolled, only when the physical restraint:

   1. 1. Is necessary to prevent harm to the child or others;
   2. 2. Occurs simultaneously with the uncontrolled behavior;
   3. 3. Does not impair the child’s breathing; and

   4. 4. Cannot harm the child.

      A provider shall use the minimum amount of restraint necessary to bring the child’s behavior under control.

4. D. A provider shall not use the following disciplinary measures:

   1. 1. Corporal punishment, including shaking, biting, hitting, or putting anything in a child’s mouth;
   2. 2. Placing a child in isolation or in a closet, laundry room, garage, shed, basement, or attic;
   3. 3. Locking a child out of the home facility;
   4. 4. Placing a child in any area where the provider cannot directly supervise the child;
   5. 5. Methods detrimental to the health or emotional needs of a child;
   6. 6. Administering medications;
   7. 7. Mechanical restraints of any kind;
   8. 8. Techniques intended to humiliate or frighten a child;
   9. 9. Discipline associated with eating, sleeping, or toileting; or
   10. 10. Abusive or profane language.
5. E. As a disciplinary measure, a provider may place a child in time out. During the time out period, the provider shall keep the child in full view. Time out shall not be used for children less than age 3.
6. F. A provider shall maintain consistent, reasonable rules that define acceptable behavior for a child in care.
7. G. A provider shall use discipline only to teach acceptable behavior and to promote self-discipline, not for punishment or retribution.

Historical Note

Adopted effective May 11, 1994 (Supp. 94-2). Former Section R6-5-5212 renumbered to R6-5-5213; new Section R6-5-5212 renumbered from R6-5-5211 and amended by final rulemaking at 5 A.A.R. 1983, effective May 20, 1999 (Supp. 99-2).