Rule 5180:2-19-08 | Child guidance.
(A) What are the procedures for child guidance in a licensed school child program?
(1) The program will have a written child guidance policy that:
(a) Describes the program's philosophy and restrictions as listed in paragraph (B) of this rule and the specific methods of child guidance used at the program.
(b) Will be on file at the program for review.
(c) Is constructive and developmentally appropriate for all children enrolled in the program.
(d) Will apply to all persons on the premises and is to comply with this rule, section 3319.46 of the Revised Code and rule 3301-35-15 of the Administrative Code.
(2) All school child program staff members will receive a copy of the program's child guidance policy for review upon employment.
(3) The school child program will provide professional development training to school child program staff members regarding the written child guidance policy and procedures before the school child program begins and/or before the staff members begin working with children.
(4) The parent of a child enrolled in a program will receive the program's written child guidance policy.
(5) A school child program staff member in charge of a child or a group of children will be responsible for their child guidance.
(6) Child guidance will be constructive and educational in nature, and may include such measures as praise for appropriate behavior, diversion, talking with the child, and separation from problem situations.
(7) Exclusion from the school child program for disciplinary reasons will be addressed in the policy and procedures.
(8) The program will neither abuse nor neglect children and will protect children from abuse and neglect while in attendance at the school child program.
(B) What are the prohibited child guidance techniques in a licensed school child program?
In addition to the restrictions outlined in rule 3301-35-15 of the Administrative Code, the following apply:
(1) There will be no cruel, harsh, or corporal punishment, or any unusual punishments such as, but not limited to, punching, pinching, shaking, spanking, or biting.
(2) Discipline will not be delegated to a child.
(3) No physical restraints will be used to confine a child by any means other than a school child program staff member holding a child for a short period of time, so that the child may regain control. Prone restraint of a child is prohibited. Prone restraint is defined as all items or measures used to limit or control the movement or normal functioning of any portion, or all, of a child's body while the child is in a face-down position.
(4) No child will be placed alone in a locked room or otherwise confined in an enclosed area.
(5) No child will be subjected to profane language, threats, derogatory remarks about himself/herself or his/her family, or any other verbal abuse.
(6) Discipline will not be imposed on a child for failure to eat or sleep, or for toileting accidents.
(7) Techniques of child guidance will not be intended to humiliate, shame, or frighten a child.
(8) Discipline will not include the withholding of food, rest, or toilet use.
(9) Separation will be brief in duration, and age and developmentally appropriate. The child will be within sight and hearing of a school child program staff member, and in a safe, lighted, and well-ventilated space.
(C) What are the suspension, expulsion, and removal requirements for a licensed school child program?
(1) Behavior management, child guidance and discipline policies and procedures will ensure the safety, physical and emotional well-being of all individuals on the premises.
(2) The program is to communicate and consult with the parent prior to implementing a specific behavior management plan. This plan will be consistent with this rule and in writing and signed by the parent.
(3) If suspension, expulsion, and removal policies exist, they are to be written in accordance with section 3313.66 of the Revised Code.
(a) When a child is expelled from the program for a behavioral reason, the expulsion is to be reported as a serious incident in the Ohio statewide licensing system by the next business day.
(b) The program may print the completed serious incident report in the Ohio statewide licensing system and give to the parent to meet the parent notification requirements for incidents.
(D) What are the child abuse and/or neglect reporting requirements?
A school child program staff member who has reasonable cause to suspect that a child has been abused or neglected is to immediately make a report in accordance with section 2151.421 of the Revised Code and then submit a serious incident report to the Ohio department of children and youth (DCY) in the Ohio statewide licensing system within twenty-four hours.
Last updated July 1, 2026 at 8:45 AM
Supplemental Information