PDFWAC 110-148-1615
What are the requirements for disciplining children?
(1) You must use discipline that is appropriate to the child's age and level of development.
(2) You must establish limits and use positive methods of guidance that promote self-control, self-responsibility, self-direction, self-esteem, and cooperation.
(3) Positive methods include:
(a) Directing children to another activity;
(b) Giving choices when appropriate;
(c) Time out as a method of guidance, allowing the child time to change their behavior;
(d) Planning in order to prevent problems; and
(e) Using positive reinforcement and encouraging children to express their feelings and ideas.
(4) You must not use physical punishment or verbally abusive, neglectful, humiliating, or frightening punishment which includes, but is not limited to:
(a) Spanking;
(b) Cursing;
(c) Threats, humiliation or intimidation; and
(d) Locked time-out rooms or methods that interfere with a child's basic needs, including withholding of food.
(5) You and authorized care providers are responsible for discipline; you must not give that responsibility to a child.
(6) You must allow a child needed services, including contact with the child's DCYF caseworker, legal representatives, parents or guardians, or other family members.
(7) You will develop a written plan for disciplining children with your licensor and you must follow that plan.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.15.030. WSR 22-11-091, § 110-148-1615, filed 5/18/22, effective 6/18/22. WSR 18-14-078, recodified as § 110-148-1615, filed 6/29/18, effective 7/1/18. Statutory Authority: Chapters 13.34 and 74.13 RCW, RCW 74.15.030(2), 74.15.311(2), 74.13.032, 13.04.011, 74.13.020, 13.34.030, 74.13.031, 13.34.145, 74.15.311, 74.15.030, and 2013 c 105. WSR 15-01-069, § 388-148-1615, filed 12/11/14, effective 1/11/15.]