Daycare Positive Discipline Guide 2026: Guidance Approaches
Complete guide to positive discipline at daycare in 2026. How programs handle behavior with teaching, not punishment.
Positive discipline teaches skills rather than punishing behavior. Quality programs use guidance approaches.
Core Principles
| Principle | Meaning | |-----------|---------| | Teach, don't punish | Build skills | | Understand behavior | Root causes | | Maintain connection | Relationship first | | Set limits kindly | Firm and warm |
What It Looks Like
| Behavior | Response | |----------|----------| | Hitting | "Hands are for gentle touches" | | Grabbing toy | "Wait, your turn is coming" | | Tantrum | "I see you're upset. I'm here." |
Questions to Ask
| Question | Why | |----------|-----| | How do you handle behavior? | Their approach | | What's your discipline policy? | Written policy | | What would you do if...? | Real examples |
Resources
Last updated: December 2025