Have a biter...got a few questions

[Unregistered]

This is my first incident of this, so I need to make sure I'm handling it properly. I had a child bite another child. I've called for pickup, and he is being sent home. There is a mark on the other child. It is close to the eye, though it did not puncture. Should I let his mom know right away or wait until the end of the day. What do I do to document? Thanks.

[Play Care]

How old is the child who did the biting? If it's a first time offense, sending home seems extreme, but obviously depends on other factors.

Depending on the parent I might shoot the parent an email "DCG is fine, but there was a biting incident today. She does have a mark. ICE and TLC given. I will have an "owie" report for you this afternoon."

My state has incident forms that I use to document injuries and keep in the kids files. The parent signs off on them.

Keep in mind that you can NOT discuss the "biter" with the "bitee" family.
"The incident was handled according to my contracted protocol which you read and signed when you started day care. Due to state regulations I can not go into detail."

Also, when talking to the parents make sure you are calm and in control. Don't go on an on about how terrible you feel, etc. Which is natural when a child is hurt in your care. Be professional and reassuring so they are confident that you are doing everything you can to make sure this doesn't become a "thing." No one wants to send their kids to "Biter's Day Care"

[Unregistered]

How old is the child who did the biting? If it's a first time offense, sending home seems extreme, but obviously depends on other factors.

Depending on the parent I might shoot the parent an email "DCG is fine, but there was a biting incident today. She does have a mark. ICE and TLC given. I will have an "owie" report for you this afternoon."

My state has incident forms that I use to document injuries and keep in the kids files. The parent signs off on them.

Keep in mind that you can NOT discuss the "biter" with the "bitee" family.
"The incident was handled according to my contracted protocol which you read and signed when you started day care. Due to state regulations I can not go into detail."

Also, when talking to the parents make sure you are calm and in control. Don't go on an on about how terrible you feel, etc. Which is natural when a child is hurt in your care. Be professional and reassuring so they are confident that you are doing everything you can to make sure this doesn't become a "thing." No one wants to send their kids to "Biter's Day Care"

The child is 3. He has had issues in the past with this (though not here). He actually bit my son earlier in the day and it did not leave a mark. He was appropriately punished at that point in time. This one seemed more extreme and on the face. He had issues in the past with biting (though not in my care), so I believe sending home was appropriate. He is coming back tomorrow. I did contact the "bitee's" mother just to give her an FYI, and mentioned how I handled it. She did not appear to be concerned, and mentioned her older child was sent home for this when he was 2, but she appreciated the FYI. I'm not planning on mentioning who the biter was, but the "bitee" has been mentioning the name all morning as in "so and so bit me." Also, the "bitee" has an older brother in care today who will most likely mention the incident since he was in the room at the time.

[Play Care]

The child is 3. He has had issues in the past with this (though not here). He actually bit my son earlier in the day and it did not leave a mark. He was appropriately punished at that point in time. This one seemed more extreme and on the face. He had issues in the past with biting (though not in my care), so I believe sending home was appropriate. He is coming back tomorrow. I did contact the "bitee's" mother just to give her an FYI, and mentioned how I handled it. She did not appear to be concerned, and mentioned her older child was sent home for this when he was 2, but she appreciated the FYI. I'm not planning on mentioning who the biter was, but the "bitee" has been mentioning the name all morning as in "so and so bit me." Also, the "bitee" has an older brother in care today who will most likely mention the incident since he was in the room at the time.

Yeah, a 3 yo biter... Have you decided on any plan for when he returns? (ie: two more "strikes" and he's out?)

As for the kids talking, that's okay. Just as long as you are not. Typically when I have an "Anchor Man" at my dc, I just say "Yes, we know. But Mrs Play Care has handled it, and we are ALL DONE with that."

[Unregistered]

Thanks so much for your reply. He is allowed to return tomorrow. However, I have made it clear to his mother that this cannot be repeated. I'm planning on him being my shadow tomorrow. He's a very sweet kid overall, and I really want to make this work. I'm very open to suggestions if you have any tips.

Yeah, a 3 yo biter... Have you decided on any plan for when he returns? (ie: two more "strikes" and he's out?)

As for the kids talking, that's okay. Just as long as you are not. Typically when I have an "Anchor Man" at my dc, I just say "Yes, we know. But Mrs Play Care has handled it, and we are ALL DONE with that."