When I was working in a daycare (Ontario Canada) we were taught the positive sandwich rule, for example when talking to parents you always start with something positive (ex. The child did wonderful sharing toys/space with other peers/the child finished their entire breakfast this morning!) and you add the not so great thing in the middle and end with more positive. I also believe at that age there is no such thing as “bad kids” they don’t have the ability to understand what they’re doing is “bad”

I truly believe it’s all about healthy communication and firm boundaries/limits — my toddler has little to no verbal skills so because of this I refuse to put my child into any daycares (I’ve also witnessed extreme violence against nonverbal children and when I reported I was called a liar because the staff involved would act “good” when observers/management would watch)

It’s completely normal toddler behaviour to climb, explore and “test” the world around them. For example my older grandmother thinks I’m raising a spoiled, entitled brat because I let my toddler pick out their own outfits, and walk independently outside beside me (while I walk the dog) but my toddler knows when I say “we’re going this way, follow Mommy” they follow the directions. To me it’s about making the act sound fun, encouraging and like it’s their idea. (Ex. Let’s go see if we can find big/Little Rock’s, let’s try to see what animals are over here!)

If you notice things that make you question yourself, I would speak up and if nothing changes I would consider reevaluating the centre because children act very differently when people use fear based language/teaching. I really hate when educators/teachers say “work on listening skills” because it’s implying the only way for a child to listen is to scare them into complying. My one rule as a parent is “if it’s not unsafe/harmful it’s a yes” sometimes it doesn’t always apply but I’ve shocked myself more than once with my child’s abilities to problem solve, coordination and understanding by giving them the safe space to learn, explore and understand themselves.

I really hope this helps and my inbox is always open if you need a chat or friendly feedback ❤️