Programs

When children exhibit challenging behavior in our Daycare instructors are prepared to create a development opportunity and engage children with positive learning experiences, through research-based methods and strategies.

Our philosophy is that you use discipline to teach a child. We achieve this through love, consistency and firmness. We stress two main patterns of behavior: respect of other people and respect for property. The children are explained the rules of the Daycare Program frequently, so they are all familiar with the guidelines. 

Please keep in mind that there WILL be disagreements between children. Young children—especially, who are not adept at communication; have a hard time expressing their feelings. Sometimes they hit or throw toys, etc. Although teaching children appropriate behavior is what we will be doing, remember that this behavior is normal in most cases. The following methods of discipline will be used:

• Encourage children to solve problems themselves 
• Intervention and discussion 
• Redirection to another play area 
• Loss of privileges 

The Daycare provides the following staff training:

 Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse or Neglect 

• Provide information to staff about their responsibilities regarding the reporting of suspected child abuse and neglect when they suspect that abuse or neglect is being perpetrated on a child in their care, by a child’s family member, a staff person or any other person. 
• Provide relevant staff with training in recognizing and reporting any suspicions or observations of child abuse or neglect. 
• Develop clear procedures for staff to follow regarding making a report relating to Child Abuse or Neglect.
• Inform staff of the protection that will be given to the child if they report suspected abuse or neglect.

All program staff are mandated reporters in accordance with general laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Any form of abuse or neglect of children while in care is strictly prohibited. Highland Daycare staff will operate in ways to protect children from abuse and neglect. Staff will regularly train in recognizing the signs/symptoms of child abuse/neglect. Suspected cases of the child abuse/neglect will be reported to the Department of Children and Families at their local phone# (508) 235-9800. If a staff member is accused of child abuse/neglect, the staff person will be immediately suspended and will not have contact with children until the DCF and EEC investigations are completed. 

For all such allegations, DCF and EEC will be notified immediately. The Daycare will cooperate in all such investigations. The accused staff member’s employment status will be reviewed based on the investigation findings of DCF and EEC.

If we feel there is a chronic behavioral issue that needs attention, we will let you know so that you and the Daycare are handling it in the same way and your child has continuity in discipline. These types of behavior might include such things as biting, use of bad words, chronic hitting, etc. 

Together, we will try to find a solution. You may be called to remove your child if his/her behavior prevents us from being able to properly care for the other children. If the problem continues, other arrangements for the care of the child will have to be made, for the safety and well-being of all. 

Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES will there be any spanking, physical abuse, verbal abuse, name calling, or isolation used. Neither food nor sleep will ever be withheld from children as a means of punishment. 

As a Child care provider, we have a responsibility by law to recognize and report any evidence of child abuse—physical or emotional—or neglect. This is strictly for the benefit of your child.