(1) The licensee or program staff may separate a child from other children as a form of discipline only long enough to allow the child to regain control of him or herself. The child must remain under the direct supervision of the licensee or program staff person.

(2) The licensee and program staff must:

(a) Take into account the child's developmental level and ability to understand the consequences of his or her actions;

(b) Communicate to the child the reason for being separated from the other children;

(c) Not discipline any child by separating the child from the group and placing himself or her in a closet, a bathroom, a locked room, outside or in unlicensed space; or

(d) Not use confining space or equipment for the purpose of punishment or restricting a child's movements.