The 10 & 5 Rule
The 10 & 5 RULE
Children thrive within families and communities that protect their health and safety, nurture and respect them and provide opportunities for involvement with caring adults. Warm, supportive and responsive interactions between adults and children help children feel safe and encourage a sense of self – worth. Children who feel secure and valued are more likely to get along well with others, develop self – control and be able to benefit from opportunities and experiences that foster learning and safe exploration of their environment.
Simply explained, the 10 and 5 Rule suggests that anytime a parent, teacher or community member is within ten feet of an Educator, the Educator should make eye contact and warmly smile to acknowledge the oncoming person.
When an Educator member is approximately five feet from a parent, teacher or community member, a sincere greeting or friendly gesture of acknowledgment should accompany the eye contact and smile.
Whenever an Educator is near a parent, teacher or community member remember these Service Guidelines:
- Make eye contact and smile – releases dopamine!
- Greet and welcome them
- Display appropriate body language at all times
- Preserve the “Family-Run” feel of the program