(1) The director of the Washington state center for childhood deafness and hearing loss, or the director's designee, and the superintendent of the state school for the blind shall maintain in writing and implement behavior management policies and procedures that accomplish the following:

     (a) Support the child's appropriate social behavior, self-control, and the rights of others;

     (b) Foster dignity and self-respect for the child;

     (c) Reflect the ages and developmental levels of children in care.

     (2) The state school for the deaf and the state school for the blind shall use proactive, positive behavior support techniques to manage potential child behavior problems. These techniques shall include but not be limited to:

     (a) Organization of the physical environment and staffing patterns to reduce factors leading to behavior incidents;

     (b) Intervention before behavior becomes disruptive, in the least invasive and least restrictive manner available;

     (c) Emphasis on verbal deescalation to calm the upset child;

     (d) Redirection strategies to present the child with alternative resolution choices.

[2009 c 381 § 19; 2000 c 125 § 3.]

NOTES:

     Findings -- Intent -- 2009 c 381: See note following RCW 72.40.015.

     Conflict with federal requirements -- 2000 c 125: See note following RCW 72.40.200.