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March 22, 2008 (
PowerHomeBiz ) - Kildare, Ireland --- I
drop in on a child care providers discussion forum from time to time and
make comments/suggestions if I feel I can be of help (or just want to join
in on a rant!!). Recently, I read a post about a child who was deliberately
damaging day care property, everything from toys, to day care furniture and
including personal items belonging to the provider. The parents laugh it
off, ask the child to say an empty 'I'm sorry' and offer no discussion nor
action for remedy. The provider is pretty distraught at this point. To date
the child has deliberately destroyed over $200 worth of items.
Unfortunately, dealing with difficult behavior can be a staple of day care
life and can lead to some unpleasant situations.
(news continued below)
Sometimes challenging behaviors can be an unavoidable aspect of running a
day care. A firm and consistent approach is vital in dealing with same
regardless what the reasons for the behavior. ‘Meet the parents’ is a must
when it is clear that a child is consistently destructive, aggressive and
disruptive. Parent and provider working together is key to dealing with
challenging behavior successfully.
Discovering root causes and triggers for the behavior through discussion
can help all involved better understand the child and his actions both at
home and at day care. A mutual behavior plan should be agreed whereby all
parties are cooperating and on the same page. It is vital that consistent
and constructive handling of the child be carried out by both parents and
provider.
Use your behavior policy (you do have one right??) as an outline for
formulating an individual plan. Ensure that you put in place a time frame
for implementation and a deadline for reevaluation. It is helpful also to
include in your parent handbook/contract details of situations where parents
will be expected to cough up for 'over the top' damages caused by their
child.
Also, consider inserting the ‘I’ve had enough’ clause when, due to lack
of parental cooperation and/or insurmountable behavior issues you will
withdraw your service. Requesting professional help may sometimes be
necessary and does not indicate failure on the part of either party-
sometimes it is the only, constructive way forward.
Fiona Lohrenz has been running her own day care for the past 10 years and
is the founder of a childcare website that offers articles and resources for
child care providers and parents. She has also produced 'Start a ChildCare
Business' DVD found here
www.startchildcare.com .
Fiona can be reached at her website here:
http://www.childcareonly.com
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