Two of the biggest challenges children face are learning acceptable behaviour and being able to control their own behaviour. Educators and parents need to understand how to teach children how look after themselves and the world around them. Knowing how to effectively teach children about acceptable behaviour allows them to better cope with these challenges.
At Care for Kindies we focus strongly on our responsibility to provide a safe, secure, caring and stimulating environment for our children. Behaviour guidance includes all the things we say and do to help children learn and demonstrate acceptable behaviour. Educators will enhance the children’s self-esteem and encourage their abilities to positively interact with others. Acceptable behaviour is promoted at Care for Kindies through our Positive Guidance of Children Policy.
Age, development and personal circumstances are very important considerations when employing behaviour guidance. However there are some important common guidelines, which we use to encourage positive, co-operative behaviour across all children. By reinforcing the below points, we aim to assist children to be able to take increasing responsibility for their own positive behaviour.
The following Care for Kindies principles guide the relationship and interactions with all children:
- Establishing trust and confidence between adults and children.
- Considering the stage of development of each child.
- Considering the interests, concerns and abilities of the individual child.
- Showing sensitivity to the child’s background and current home situations.
- Examining the reason behind the behaviour that suggested a need for behaviour guidance.
- Getting down to the child’s level to establish and maintain eye contact, where possible.
- Using language that is positive, clear and developmentally appropriate for the child in question.
- Being consistent with behaviour expectations.
- Setting limits and reminding children of such limits regularly or whenever necessary.
- Involving the children in the setting of limits and explaining as to why a certain type of behaviour is unacceptable. E.g.: other children and staff educator safety.
- Encouraging the children to show empathy for children experiencing difficulties.
- Positive Guidance Strategies to encourage individuality and confidence of children so as to enhance their self-esteem.
- Offering the children clear alternatives to help them develop their ability to make decisions and direct themselves.
- Positive modelling by adults. E.g.: “sand stays in the sand pit” rather than “don’t throw sand”, and by showing the child how to dig in the sand.
Our Educators are responsible for helping children to guide their own behaviour. It is also important for parents to understand the Positive Guidance of Children Policy to work together to strengthen the effectiveness of this.
Where a child continues to behave in an unacceptable manner, parents/guardians will be consulted and asked to work with the Educators to ensure positive guidance techniques are consistent and clear. The use of physical force, embarrassment, sarcasm and isolation is never practised.
Creating a caring and respectful environment allows everyone to feel part of the group. At Care for Kindies we focus on encouraging positive behaviour to ensure each child feels loved, supported and cared for. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our Positive Guidance of Children Policy, please speak to your Educators.