What must happen when a child is harming themselves or others?

When a child is harming themselves or others, it is crucial to prioritize safety. Separating the child from the group is necessary to prevent further harm and to manage the situation effectively. This separation allows for a controlled environment where the child can be assessed, and immediate intervention can take place without putting others at risk.

This approach fosters a space that is safer not just for the child in distress but also for peers and staff, allowing for appropriate attention to the child's needs. It is important to address the cause of the behavior, and isolation in such cases is more about safety rather than punishment or reprimanding. This ensures that the situation can be handled with the necessary care and attention required to de-escalate the behavior.

In contrast, communicating calmly or having a staff member handle the situation, while important, may not immediately address the urgent need for safety in a crisis. Punishment is generally not effective in these scenarios and can escalate the situation further rather than assist in de-escalation and support.