Time-AwayPolicy 1302.17(a)(1-4)

1302.90(c)(ii)(B)

DHS# 340:110-3-288(b)(11)(A-C)

Time-Away will be used when the Behavior Management Procedure is ineffective. Time-Away is a form of discipline that can be effective in reducing challenging behaviors in young children. This strategy requires that a child be removed from an ongoing activity for a brief time.Time-Away is intended to be a nonviolent response to stop conflictand provide a “cooling-off” period for the child that is seriously aggressive. Time-Away will be implemented when children are hurting themselves, others, or intentionallydestroying property.

Time-Away is Not isolating a child for long periods of time; it is Notsolitary confinement in a dark room; it is Not to be used to withdraw or deny outdoor play; it is Nota threat of loss of love or of their dignity.

Procedure

  1. Pick a Time-Away place that is not interesting. This will not necessarily be the same

place each time. There should not be “Time Away Chairs” or “Naughty Chairs” in

any classroom. Children must be in sight of an adult at all times.

  1. State the inappropriate behavior. Example: “Tom you hit your friend, you need

to take a Time Away”.

  1. In the event that the child’s behavior becomes out of control, with refusal to comply with Time-Away, staff will use gentle but firm physical guidance/direction, holding the child only long enough to get them to a safe place to calm down.
  2. If the child continues to display out of control behavior, call the Mental Health Coordinator or Assistant Coordinator.

a)After discussion of interventions applied, and the safety of the child, peers, or staff is at risk, child may be sent home for the remainder of that day to help the child gain control

b)Record this behavior on the Observation Form(KHS-403)

c)State facts of behavior, date and initial information

d)No videos and/or pictures are to be taken of a child behaviors

e)Upon returning to center the next day, child should not be subjected to consequences for the previous day’s behavior

  1. Keep in mind that children do not need to sit perfectly still or quiet during Time-Away.
  2. Establish how long the Time-Away will last. Usually one minute for each year of age. If the developmental age of the child is younger, then the time will be shorter. If the child has ongoing behavior issues time should be as he can tolerate so he can be successful.
  3. Theadult must always set the timer, and then place it out of the child’s reach.
  4. Ignore all promises or arguments by the child that he will not do the behavior

anymore. Any attention may reinforce the inappropriate behavior.

  1. Remind the child that the Time-Away begins when he is more in control of hisbehavior.
  2. After the Time-Away is over, praise the child for being in control of his behavior during Time-Away, review the rule that was not followed, encourage the child to remain in control of his behavior, and then assist the child in finding a relaxing area to go into. (Example: play dough, manipulative, etc.)
  3. Time-Away will not be implemented during meal time, outdoor time or assess to bathroom time.

Remember Time-Away is only effective if it is used infrequently.

4/2017