These are general rules and guidelines for appropriate and inappropriate verbal/physical interactions with participants of KidSpirit.
Stay engaged at work, be aware of the needs and behaviors of others and always try to fulfill the FISH philosophy with your behavior.
Make an effort to be energized while working. This means standing while instructing, and never lying down or lounging while on shift.
Model good boundaries and personal space with your participants. This means standing, walking and sitting next to children without letting them cling to or sit on you, and never picking up or grabbing children, except in the case of a serious emergency.
If a child's behavior is more than you can handle, follow the advice in "disruptive behavior" below.
Always stay with the group, alongside participants and other counselors. As an instructor, you should never be alone with a child.
Use specific positive reinforcement and encourage children as often as possible.
Always speak calmly and clearly, even if a child is demonstrating poor behavior.
If a child's behavior is more than you can handle, follow the advice in "disruptive behavior" below.
Use positive language (what to do, rather than what not to do) whenever possible.
Avoid the use of sarcasm. Different age groups at KidSpirit have varying levels of humor comprehension.
Use age appropriate language at all times.
Apply consistent discipline to all children and do not give special exception to some.
Always project a positive attitude toward KidSpirit participants.
Demonstrate safety for self, others and your environment at all times. For example, always use crosswalks when crossing the street.
If uncontrollable behavior is disrupting the group, outside intervention may be needed. Overall group safety must be considered.
Secure the group's safety, stopping your activity if necessary.
Contact the office by phone (541-737-5437) or radio. The nearest available leadership or professional staff will be sent to assist.
If possible, keep two staff members with the group and have two monitor the disruptive participant until leadership comes.
If you must be alone with a child, keep all doors open and be on phone with office or leadership staff until help arrives.
While monitoring a disruptive participant,
Follow all expectations outlined above. (Do not touch, restrain or raise your voice at the participant.)
Follow the child if necessary, and remove items that may cause harm.
Document time and interactions. Report in Ideal-Logic in a behavior report.
Debrief with leadership after the incident, and discuss guardian follow-up.
Implementation of behavior strategies will be discussed.
When communicating (written and verbal) with minors all communication must have a second adult:
Emails - all emails are sent through Ideal-Logic making the communication transparent
Phone calls - are made from the office with another staff in hearing distance
Staff to Staff (when one staff member is a minor) - work and non-work communications
Slack: if personal messaging include a supervisor
Texting (not recommended) include supervisor or another staff
Social Media - include another adult and/or supervisor