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Guiding Children’s Behaviour Policy Template

A three-page sample child guidance policy built on a positive, non-punitive approach: the objective and philosophy, the environment, ten prevention strategies, sixteen intervention strategies with example phrases, caregivers’ responsibilities and a list of prohibited practices.

Format: Printable PDF · US Letter
Pages: 3
Best for: Directors · owners · all staff
Updated: Oct 2026

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Preview of the Guiding Children’s Behaviour Policy Template

What’s inside

From philosophy to the words staff can use

Objective and Child Development PhilosophyThe goal of discipline — self-control, self-confidence and sensitivity towards others — and four principles, including that children’s behaviors reflect their level of development. The objective states that every staff member signs the policy and it is reviewed annually.
EnvironmentHow caregivers and rooms reduce problems before they start: an atmosphere of trust and security, ordered rooms, a balanced schedule of active and restful periods, and a good supply of age-appropriate toys and materials.
Guidance Strategies: PreventionTen strategies, such as clear, consistent and simple rules, positive phrasing of limits, statements of expectation rather than questions, overlooking minor incidents and regular scanning of the room.
Guidance Strategies: InterventionSixteen strategies, many with a sample sentence — acknowledging feelings before setting limits, offering appropriate choices, natural and logical consequences, redirecting, and what happens when a child is removed from a situation or the Director is called.
Caregivers’ Responsibilities and Child Care Licensing RegulationsSix staff expectations, including reporting breaches and notifying parents and the Director of persistent problems, followed by four things caregivers must not do: physical punishment or degradation, denying basic necessities, restraint, confinement or isolation, and lifting or carrying a child outside listed exceptions.

How to use it

Four steps to put it to work this week

1
Read it against your regulationMost jurisdictions set out what a child guidance policy must contain and which practices are prohibited. Check the sample section by section.
2
Rewrite it as your ownThe PDF refers to ‘this child care center’ throughout and is not editable. Retype it with your program’s name and adjust the wording to match how you work.
3
Decide the staff consequencesThe sample states zero tolerance and termination for certain breaches. Make sure those clauses agree with your employment contracts and local employment law.
4
Train on it, sign it, review it yearlyWalk through the intervention examples at a staff meeting, have each staff member sign your version, and set an annual review date.

Tips from operators

What centers that use this well do differently

Learned the hard way across 3,000 child care spaces — and from the directors and educators who join our Lunch & Learns and Learning Labs.

Practise the example phrases

The intervention list includes ready-made sentences such as “Do you want to wait here for your turn, or do you want to find something else to do?” Role-play them so they come naturally in the room.

Check the ‘time away’ wording

Strategy 15 describes removing a child from a situation, while the licensing section prohibits isolation. Confirm how your regulation draws that line and say so plainly in your version.