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Standard Operating Procedure: Biting Incidents

Biting Incidents

Department: Health & Safety

Purpose

To establish a clear, consistent, and developmentally appropriate response to biting incidents in order to ensure the safety of all children and promote positive behavior management strategies.

 

Scope

This policy applies to all staff members working with infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children in the childcare center.

 

Policy Statement

Biting is a common behavior in early childhood, especially among toddlers. However, it must be addressed immediately and effectively to protect children, support social-emotional development, and maintain a safe environment.

 

Procedure

1. Immediate Response

  • Separate the Children: Calmly but firmly separate the child who bit and the child who was bitten.

  • Check on the Injured Child: Comfort and care for the injured child. Clean the wound with soap and water, apply first aid if necessary.

  • Supervise the Biter: Remove the child who bit from the situation and speak calmly. Say, ā€œBiting hurts. We use our words.ā€

2. Documentation

  • Complete a Biting Incident Report with the following:

    • Names of both children (initials if shared with other parents)

    • Time, date, location of incident

    • Description of what happened before, during, and after the bite

    • Actions taken by staff

    • Witnesses (if any)

  • File one copy in the childā€™s file and give one to the parents.

3. Parent Notification

  • Notify both sets of parents on the same day (via phone or in person):

    • For the bitten childā€™s parents: Share the nature of the injury and actions taken.

    • For the biterā€™s parents: Explain the behavior and how it was addressed.

  • Do not disclose the identity of the other child involved.

 

4. Behavior Monitoring and Intervention

  • Track all biting incidents to identify patterns (triggers, time of day, activities).

  • Develop an individual behavior support plan if biting becomes repeated.

  • Implement strategies such as:

    • Increasing supervision

    • Offering teething toys

    • Teaching appropriate communication skills

    • Redirecting aggressive behavior proactively

 

5. Staff Responsibilities

  • Stay calm and use positive guidance techniques.

  • Reinforce gentle touches and use of words.

  • Collaborate with families and include them in prevention planning.

  • Ensure consistent documentation and follow-up.

 

6. Follow-Up

  • Monitor the childā€™s behavior regularly and review intervention effectiveness.

  • Hold conferences with families if needed.

  • Involve behavioral specialists or the director if biting persists beyond normal developmental stages.

 

7. Confidentiality

  • Respect the privacy of all children and families involved.

  • Do not disclose the identity of any child involved in the incident to other families.

 

Forms and Tools

  • Biting Incident Report Template

  • Behavior Tracking Log

  • Family Conference Form