Biting/Pushing Policy  

Biting and pushing is unfortunately not unexpected behavior for toddlers. Some children and many toddlers communicate through this behavior. However, biting/pushing can be harmful to other children and to staff. This biting/pushing policy has been developed with both of these ideas in mind. As a preschool, we understand that biting/pushing, unfortunately, is a part of a preschool setting. Our goal is to help identify what is causing the biting/pushing and resolve these issues. If the issue cannot be resolved, this policy serves to protect the children that are bitten/pushed. If a biting/pushing incident occurs, state regulations require that the parent of the child biting/pushing and the parent of the child who was bitten/pushed be contacted. Names of the children are not shared with either parent.

When Biting/pushing Does Occur:

Our staff strongly disapproves of biting/pushing. The staff’s job is to keep the children safe and help a child that bites learn different, more appropriate behavior. We do not use techniques to alarm, hurt, or frighten children.

For the child that was bitten/pushed:

1. First aid is given to the bite. It is cleaned with soap and water. If the skin is broken, the bite is covered with a bandage.

2. Parents are notified.

3. The “Incident Report” form is filled out documenting the incident.

For the child that bit/pushed:

1. The teacher will firmly tell the child, We do not bite/push. And ask them to check in with the child who was hurt.

2. The child will discuss with a teacher how the other child may feel and what other ways there are to deal with their frustration.

3. The parents are notified. The “Incident Report” is filled out documenting the incident.

Moving forward:

The child will be shadowed to help prevent any biting/pushing incidents. The child will be observed by the teachers to determine what is causing the child to bite (teething, communication, frustration, etc.) The child will be given positive attention and approval for positive behavior.

When biting/pushing continues:

1. If a child inflicts 2 bites/pushes in a one week period (5 days of school attendance) in which the skin of another child or staff member is broken or bruised or the bite leaves a significant mark, a conference will be held with the parents to discuss the child’s behavior and how the behavior may be modified.

2. If the child again inflicts 2 bites/pushes in a one week period (5 weekdays) in which the skin of another child or staff member is broken or bruised or the bite leaves a significant mark, the child will be asked to take a one week break from the school.

3. If the child again inflicts 2 bites/pushes in a one week period (5 days of school attendance) in which the skin of another child or staff member is broken or bruised or the bite leaves a significant mark, the parents will be asked to make other day care arrangements.

If a child, who has been through step 1 and 2 and then goes 3 weeks (15 days of school attendance) without biting/pushes, we will go back to step one if the child bites/pushes again. If a child bites/pushes twice in a 1 hour period, the child will be required to be picked up from preschool for the remainder of the day.