Requirements for Discipline
Effective Mar 1, 2024Mass. Register #1516MGL c. 111, § 3 MGL c. 111, § 127ADepartment of Public Health
- (A) Discipline and guidance shall be consistent and based upon current American Academy of Pediatrics Childcare Guidance on effective discipline or other guidance approved by the Department, and an understanding of the individual needs and development of a child. The operator shall have written policies and procedures to direct discipline to the goal of maximizing the growth and development of the children and for protecting the group and individuals within it.
(B) Prohibitions
- (1) Corporal punishment, including spanking, is prohibited;
- (2) No camper shall be subjected to cruel or severe punishment, humiliation, or verbal abuse;
- (3) No camper shall be denied food, water or shelter; and
- (4) No child shall be punished for soiling, wetting or not using the toilet.
- (C) The operator shall describe in writing the camp’s procedures for disciplining campers. The written plan shall also include the prohibitions of 105 CMR 430.191(B)(1) through (4).