Guidance & Discipline Philosophy

Positive guidance and how we support behavior

Effective: September 2026 | Reviewed Annually

At Country Lane Early Learning, we believe children learn best in a loving, respectful, structured, and supportive environment. Our approach to guidance focuses on teaching appropriate behaviors, building emotional regulation, and helping children develop self-control, responsibility, confidence, kindness, and healthy social interactions, consistent with Utah childcare licensing child guidance standards (R430-90-12).

Our Guidance Philosophy

We use the term guidance rather than punishment because our goal is to teach children appropriate behaviors and self-discipline rather than simply correcting unwanted behaviors.
Children are encouraged to become respectful, independent, responsible, and socially confident individuals.
Consistent expectations and follow-through help children feel safe, secure, and successful within the childcare environment.
Children are expected to show respect toward parents, caregivers, teachers, peers, and others in responsible positions.
Positive guidance helps children learn self-regulation, empathy, communication skills, accountability, problem-solving, and appropriate decision-making.

Positive Guidance Strategies

A child-friendly environment designed to encourage safe exploration, independence, and successful interactions.
Clear and consistent expectations such as using kind words, listening carefully, following directions, and keeping hands to ourselves.
Developmentally appropriate activities and routines based on children's ages, interests, and abilities.
Positive reinforcement and encouragement for respectful behavior and responsible choices.
Redirection toward more appropriate activities or solutions when conflicts or frustrations arise.
Positive reminders that focus on what children should do rather than repeated use of "no" or "don't."
Calm-down or renewal time when a child needs a brief opportunity to regain self-control before returning to activities.
Modeling respectful communication, emotional regulation, and problem-solving skills throughout the day.

Working Together with Families

Open communication and partnership between families and caregivers are essential for supporting children successfully.
Families will be informed of ongoing behavioral concerns and included in developing solutions and support strategies.
Consistency between home and childcare expectations helps children feel secure and successful.
Our goal is always to work together as a team to help each child succeed socially, emotionally, and behaviorally.

Behavior Support Process

Initial Consultation: A meeting may be scheduled with parents or guardians to discuss concerns, identify possible causes, and create a behavior support plan together.
Follow-Up Consultation: If concerns continue, additional meetings may be scheduled to review progress, adjust strategies, and discuss additional support options or resources.
Outside Support: Families may be encouraged to seek guidance from behavioral specialists, therapists, medical providers, or other professionals when appropriate.
Disenrollment: If all reasonable efforts have been exhausted and a child's behavior continues to compromise the safety or well-being of themselves, other children, or staff, childcare services may be discontinued in accordance with the Termination of Care section of the Childcare Services Contract.

Safety & Respect

Children will always be treated with dignity, patience, consistency, and respect.
Corporal punishment, humiliation, shaming, withholding food, or physical discipline are never permitted.
The safety and emotional well-being of all children in our care will always remain a top priority.

Questions & Program Contact

Questions about our guidance approach or a specific behavior concern may be directed to: Sara Kingston, Program Coordinator/Director, sara@countrylaneearlylearning.com, (801) 792-9837.

Our goal is to help children learn positive behaviors, build confidence, strengthen emotional regulation, and develop respectful relationships in a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment.