Pamm's House
Biting PolicyUnfortunately, it is necessary to include this information to parents.If you are a child care provider, please feel free to use this information.
Biting is, unfortunately, not unexpected when toddlers are in group care. It is always upsetting when children are bitten in my care, and I recognize how upsetting it is for parents.
Biting is a natural developmental stage that many children go through. It is usually a temporary condition that is most common between thirteen and twenty-four months of age. The safety of the children at Pamm’s House is my primary concern. This biting policy addresses the actions that will be taken if a biting incident occurs.
Toddlers bite for a variety of reasons, most not related to behavior problems, therefore, the focus is not on punishment for biting, but on effective techniques that address the reason for the biting. A child might be teething or overly tired and frustrated. He or she might be experimenting or trying to get my attention or the attention of his peers. Toddlers have poor verbal skills and are impulsive without a lot of self-control. Sometimes biting occurs for no apparent reason. The children will be encouraged to "use their words" if they become angry or frustrated.
The following steps will be taken if a biting incident occurs at Pamm’s House:
* The biting will be interrupted with a firm "No…we don't bite people!"
* The bitten child will be comforted.
* The biter will be removed from the situation.
* The wound of the bitten child shall be cleansed with soap and water and ice applied if the child is willing.
* The caregiver will work with the child who bit to learn other behavior.
* The parents of both children will be notified of the biting incident and a written record will be kept.
* The names of the children involved will be kept confidential. This is to avoid labeling of the children which makes it more difficult to work quickly and positively toward stopping the biting.I wish I could guarantee that biting will never happen at Pamm’s House, but we know there is no such guarantee. I will deal appropriately with biting so that it will end as quickly as possible. I will support your children whether they bite or are bitten. I want the best for all the children in my care.
If you want more information on biting or have any questions or concerns, please let me know.
An excellent resource is:
Here's the
Bite Forms
I use when there is a bite.NEW! Printable and updated forms and rates Here. This book is great to read
with the toddlers:
Have a biter in your group? Check Out: Biting Tips. 
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All praise and glory go to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Apart from Him, I could do nothing. (John 15:5)
