Biting Epidemics

Page 15

There can be times when there seems to be an unusually high amount of biting incidents in the classroom. If this occurs it is usually due to an underlying cause. Yes, toddler biting is common and completely normal, but there shouldn’t be a spike in biting incidents that involve many children for no obvious reason.   

Some considerations to make if this does occur are:

Evaluate the staff responses to this behavior. A simple change in collective responses may solve the problem.

Keep documentation recording the incidents.

Meet with the director or lead staff members to develop a plan to prevent and curb biting in the program. 

​Parents should be informed if their child is biting or has been bitten. Be sure to follow center and licensing guidelines when it comes to reporting these incidents. Biting epidemics can and do occur and should be thwarted in whatever ways possible. Through diligent staff preparation and commitment to preventing undesired behaviors things should improve.

Confidentiality

Please note that you must follow confidentiality rules when it comes to biting.  If a child is bitten, you may not tell their parents which child bit them.  You are required to be discrete, and professional.

Always know and follow all child care licensing regulations, and the child care program policies.  ​

Course Navigation Menu

​1. Course Agenda
2. Ouch!​
3. Why Do Children Bite?
4. Biting Causes (1/7)
5. Preventing Biting Behavior
6. ABC Chart
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7. Behavior Patterns​ (2/7)
8. How to Make your Own ABC Chart
9. Scenario 1 (3/7)
10. Scenario 1 (4/7)
11. Scenario 2 (5/7)
12. Scenario 2 (6/7)
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​13. Using ABC Chart to Prevent Biting 
14. Reacting to Biting Behavior
15. Biting Epidemics
16. Children’s Books About Biting
17. End of Course Quiz
18. Course Evaluation Form​
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