Child Destroying Day Care
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, one of the providers had a terrible ongoing problem with a child who was wilfully destroying her property i.e. toys, day care equipment and furniture. The parents laugh it off, ask the child to say an empty 'I'm sorry' and offer no discussion nor action for remedy. As you can imagine this poor lady is at her wits end. To date the child has deliberately destroyed over $200 worth of items. All too often day care providers can be faced with very delicate situations when handling difficult behavior in a child.
Difficult and challenging behaviors can be a tough fact of day care life. A firm and consistent approach is vital in dealing with same regardless what the reasons for the behavior. When it becomes clear that a child is being continuously disruptive, destructive and aggresive it is time to 'meet the parents'. Parent and provider working together is key to dealing with challenging behavior successfully.
Discussion will uncover if similar behavior occurs in the home, if there is a root cause that can help all parties better understand the triggers and reasons for the behavior. Most importantly though, the parent/provider meeting will ensure that a mutual behavior plan is on the table and everyone is on the same page. It is pointless if you are being consistent and constructive in your handling of the child if the same positive actions are not dealt out at home.
Individual plans can be formulated using your behavior policy as an outline (please tell me you have a behavior policy!). Include time frames and deadlines for implementation and re-evaluation. This might also be a good time to revise your parent contract to include when parents will be expected to reimburse you for excessive damage caused by their child.
Insert also your 'end of tether' clause where you would be forced to ask a client to withdraw their child due to ongoing issues and lack of cooperation/communication. 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 Start A Childcare Business DVD. Fiona can be reached at her website here: ChildCareOnly.com
Published March 21st, 2008
Filed in Business, Home Business