Positive Guidance in Childcare
Helping children take part in the day
Positive guidance at Tender Years Childcare in Ajax focuses on teaching and relationships. Educators help children understand expectations, express feelings and find ways to participate with others that are appropriate to their age.
This is our approach within childcare, not a separate behaviour service or therapy program. Share what is happening for your child so we can discuss daily routines and the support they may need.
Calm limits and practical support
Predictable routines, simple choices and redirection help children understand what comes next. When a situation is difficult, educators can help children find words, identify a feeling and try another way to join an activity.
A toddler learning to wait and a school-age child working through a disagreement need different kinds of help. Responses consider the child's age, needs and situation, with an emphasis on safety and respectful interaction.
Ontario's rules on prohibited practices
Ontario's child care rules prohibit corporal punishment, humiliating or frightening treatment, withholding basic needs and bodily harm, including forced feeding. Restraint for discipline or as a substitute for supervision is prohibited, subject to the regulation's narrow imminent-harm exception. See the Ministry of Education's guidance on prohibited practices for the full requirements.
Ask to review the centre's current program statement, guidance policies and parent concerns process. These documents explain the approaches staff are expected to use and how families can raise questions about their child's care.
Working with your family
Share familiar routines, communication preferences, recent changes and approaches that help at home. Educators can discuss relevant observations with you and plan practical next steps. Where a child needs additional support, ask the centre about the planning process and available resources.
For a conversation about your child, call (905) 683-2559 or contact the centre at 338 Rossland Rd E, Ajax. To explore care options, compare our childcare programs by age.
Positive Guidance
Calm support, clear expectations and respect for children's dignity.
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AgeEvery program
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ApproachPart of childcare
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ScheduleWithin daily programs
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Fees
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Program Questions
Questions about positive guidance
How do educators respond to disagreements?
Educators support safety, help children understand what happened and guide age-appropriate problem-solving. Children may need help expressing a need, taking turns or returning to play.
Are hitting, shaming or withholding food allowed?
No. Ontario prohibits corporal punishment, humiliating treatment and depriving children of basic needs, including food, drink, sleep and toilet use. These are legal requirements for licensed childcare.
How can I raise a concern about guidance?
Speak with your child's educator or the centre supervisor and ask for the written parent issues and concerns policy. Explain what happened and what you would like to understand about the response.
Can we discuss my child's individual support needs?
Yes. Contact the centre to discuss your child's routines, communication and support needs, including any existing plans you would like to share. Ask how care planning and family communication would work for your child.
Our Environments
