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.

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.

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.

You can find more childcare articles at Fiona Lohrenz’s website where you’ll also find her ‘Start a ChildCare Business’ DVD guide: Start A Day Care Business DVD She has a lot of knowledge to impart having run her own daycare for 10 years. You can find her at her website: ChildCareOnly.com

- Rene Sandan