Chew on This

When a child bites we will follow this procedure:

1. If the bite does not draw blood and is not on the face:
• Babies:
• The biter is immediately placed in a crib
• Wash off the bite and comfort the bitten child
• There is no need to call the parent unless child can’t be calmed
• Toddler:
• The biter is immediately directed to a chair, away from kids
• He/She is then lovingly reminded that this is not appropriate
• Wash off the bite and comfort the bitten child
• When the parents come to pick up their children, both will be told of the incident. If the bite is sever, both parents will be called immediately and an incident form will be filled out.
2. If the bite draws blood, leaves a mark, is on the face, or occurs a second time (regardless if the same day or not):
• Give first aid and comfort for the bitten child, while another volunteer isolates the biter.
• Call both parents out of the service immediately
• If they are not already aware of the biting policy, explain it and give them a written copy.
• Parents of the biter are expected to discipline the child for biting.
3. If the child bites more than once, we will work with the parents in this manner:
• Discuss the problem with the Nursery/Preschool Coordinator to discover why the child is biting.
• The parent is to be in the class for 2 or 3 sessions to determine what may be inciting the behavior.
• Should an attempt at biting be made, the parent will be expected to discipline their child immediately.
4. If biting continues:
• We will ask that the child be withheld from the class for a period of time; this duration of time will be determined by the nursery/ Preschool Coordinator after conferring with the Children’s Pastor.
• When the child is allowed to return to the class, the parent will be asked to stay with the child in the class for a few sessions, to ensure that the biting will not begin again.

The correction policy of this ministry is to administer a loving but firm reminder of inappropriate behavior and provide a safe and secure environment for all kids in attendance.