(1) You must provide a written statement with your application and reapplication for licensure describing the discipline methods you use. This plan must be approved by your DLR licensor.

(2) You and authorized care providers have the responsibility for discipline; you may not delegate that responsibility to a child.

(3) You must not withhold a child's need for necessary services including contact with the child's DSHS worker, case manager, and legal representatives. You must not withhold approved contact with a child's family, without further approval from the child's DSHS worker.

(4) For additional information you may refer to the children's administration's behavior management guide.

(5) If your discipline methods change, you must immediately provide a new statement to your licensor describing your current practice.

(6) You must use positive methods of guidance and discipline that promote self-control, self-responsibility, self-direction, self-esteem and cooperation. Positive methods may include:

(a) Redirecting children;

(b) Giving choices when appropriate;

(c) Time out as a method of guidance, allowing the child time to change his/her behavior;

(d) Planning in order to prevent problems; and

(e) Using positive reinforcement and encouraging children to express their feelings and ideas.

(7) You must use discipline that is appropriate to the child's age and level of development.

(8) You must not use corporal punishment or verbally abusive, neglectful, humiliating or frightening punishment.

(9) You must not discipline children in the following ways:

(a) Physical punishment;

(b) Cursing;

(c) Threats;

(d) Humiliation or intimidation; or

(e) Methods that interfere with a child's basic needs, including withholding of food.