Position Statement on Challenging Behavior (Division for Early Childhood, DEC) July 2017

Description:

Why is DEC taking a stand?

• Challenging behavior often can interfere with the development of social-emotional competence.
  Conversely, children with low social-emotional competence may develop challenging behavior as a way to communicate their needs.
• Punitive practices don’t teach children needed social and communicative behaviors.
  Additionally, punitive practices, such as corporal punishment, suspension, and expulsion
  disproportionately affect young children of color.
• Professionals and families need positive strategies to support young children’s development
  and prevent challenging behavior.