When disciplining children or youth, caregivers:

1. (1) Must:

   1. (a) Use discipline that is appropriate to the children's or youth's age and level of development; and

   2. (b) Not use physical or verbally abusive, neglectful, humiliating, degrading, or frightening punishment including, but not limited to:

      1. (i) Hitting;
      2. (ii) Spanking;
      3. (iii) Restricting breathing;
      4. (iv) Name calling;
      5. (v) Threats or intimidation;
      6. (vi) Trapping or locking in a space;
      7. (vii) Forced physical exertion or exercise; and

      8. (viii) Other methods that interfere with the children's or youth's:

         1. (A) Basic needs, including withholding food and water;
         2. (B) Cultural needs, including cutting an Indian child's or youth's hair or taking away a religiously or culturally significant item or event; and
         3. (C) Familial connections, including removal of sentimental items or gifts from their parents or family time; and

2. (2) May request training on how to use positive methods of guidance for children and youth that promote self-control, self-responsibility, self-direction, self-esteem, and cooperation including, but not limited to:

   1. (a) Directing them to another activity;
   2. (b) Giving them choices when appropriate;
   3. (c) Using time-in as a method of guidance, allowing them time to change their behavior;
   4. (d) Planning to prevent problems; and
   5. (e) Using positive reinforcement and encouraging them to express their feelings and ideas.

[Statutory Authority: Chapters 13.34, 74.13, 74.15 RCW, and 45 C.F.R. ss 1355 and 1356. WSR 25-12-071, s 110-149-0270, filed 5/30/25, effective 6/30/25.]