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Expected Parent Behaviors:
Behavior Management Plan
Part Two
This article is Part 2 in a series of two, and provides a description of what to include in the Expected Parental Behaviors portion of a Behavior Management Plan.
One of the greatest tools in combating behavior management problems is an active Behavior Management Plan. It is an invaluable instrument used in educational settings, often overlooked by childcare
providers. Unlike a list of classroom expectations or simple rules and regulations, it provides a program-wide overview of expected behaviors, and procedural steps involved in dealing with behavioral issues. In this age of litigation,
documentation of participant expectations in any program is essential.
One area often overlooked in many agency policies and procedures, is that of expected parent behaviors. Children's behaviors have a plethora of information addressing expectations in a variety of areas.
Can parents act inappropriately, as well? Yes. If so, what are the consequences? The following are topics one might wish to consider when designing a Behavior Management Plan.
 Transportation issues. In many instances, parents may be required to pick up children when
arriving or leaving a program. Parents who continually drive at unsafe speeds may lose the privilege of driving their vehicles on facility grounds.
Have concerns specific to the site been discussed (i.e., blind spots, children being put into cars by assistants while parents stay in driver's seat, parents holding children's hands crossing a parking
lot, etc.) Are speed signs posted appropriately? If unsafe behaviors continue, will verbal and written warnings be given? If so, how many and when will dismissal result?
Timeliness. Tardiness causes problems for everyone. Staff must be disturbed, often to let tardy participants into a facility or to stay late. Children's activities disrupt, as the transition of the
child into the activity can be a distraction.
 Child caregivers are often very understanding of parents who run into occasional unforeseeable
delays and problems. However, constant tardiness is a problem and inconvenience for staff members. It also can be an additional expense for the program. Hourly wage earners that may need to stay overtime will still need to be paid. That
expense must be absorbed by the budget of the program. Many programs require a late fee with registration so disputes over tardiness will not delay the payment process. If parents are tardy, the late fees are subtracted from the amount.
If the amount runs out, students may not participate in the program, until another deposit is secure.
Behavior management questions. All behavioral management questions should be directed to the teacher or appropriate administrative staff. Assistants usually are not qualified to discuss behavioral
problems or may not be involved at the appropriate level. Teachers are directly responsible for the documentation and implementation of behavior management strategies. They may wish to address the problem behavior later for a variety of
reasons.
Alcohol and tobacco. It seems rather ridiculous to have to raise the issue of this topic, but even the most seasoned childcare professional has had to deal with this issue on at least one occasion.
In most instances, alcohol and tobacco usage will not be allowed on facility properties. However, should the instance arise, how will an intoxicated driver or parent be handled? At no time, should a child be released to an adult
exhibiting symptoms of intoxication. The situation is both unsafe and embarrassing for the child and other families. It poses a very difficult situation for the staff. Parents should know what to expect up front if such a situation should
arise. Who will be called - family, police? The person might very well pose a hazard to other parents traveling, as well. Can the agency afford not to call law enforcement agencies?
Inappropriate Language. Parents should know that cursing, swearing, or other inappropriate language is not to be tolerated. This type of behavior should not be acceptable in front of children at
any time. Threats of any kind toward staff, children, or other parents should not be acceptable at any time on program property. Consequences may involve a series of verbal or written warnings, if necessary and ultimately the child's
removal from a program. Staff members should never feel like "hostages" in dealing with a child.
 Prepared and informed. Just as children are expected to come prepared to learn, so should
parents. Parents should be aware of any behavioral problems with which a caregiver might be dealing. If a conference becomes necessary, it should not be the "first" that he or she has heard of the situation. Report forms should
be read and discussed as appropriate with the childcare giver. A mandatory orientation for participation is recommended in which the parental behavior expectations are discussed. Parents should also be required to sign a confirmation form
stating they have participated in the orientation and agree to abide by the behavioral plan.
In summary, a clear understanding of the Behavioral Management Plan and expected parental behaviors will benefit everyone. It will also save time answering questions, inquiries, and complaints when there
is a clear understanding of the rules and regulations. Public schools have long known the importance of having such a process in place. If your agency does not have an active Behavior Management Plan in place, it is time to change that
behavior. Do not want it when you need it.
The rewards of having an active Behavior Management Plan in place are many and varied. Program's can avoid litigation issues. Parents can make informed decisions on whether or not to place their child in
such an environment. Administrators have fewer headaches. Most important of all, there are no surprises for all parties involved. Children, parents, and staff benefit from consistency. In this case, hindsight is not better than foresight.
Everyone is on the same page when dealing with problem behaviors, and that alone is reason enough.
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