Which regulation would prohibit the use of physical punishment in child care?

The use of physical punishment in child care is predominantly prohibited by child welfare regulations. These regulations are designed to ensure the safety, well-being, and overall welfare of children within care settings. Child welfare laws typically focus on protecting children from abuse and neglect, and they establish standards for the appropriate treatment of children in child care environments.

In practice, child welfare regulations explicitly guard against any forms of corporal punishment or physical discipline that can cause physical or emotional harm. This aligns with the broader philosophy of promoting positive behavioral guidance and developmentally appropriate disciplinary methods that respect children's rights and dignity. Thus, the correct choice highlights the core protective intent of child welfare regulations concerning acceptable disciplinary practices in child care.

While health and safety regulations primarily address the physical environment and health protocols in child care settings, and disciplinary regulations would cover methods of discipline without specifying the acceptance or prohibition of physical punishment, standard operational regulations mainly focus on the functioning and management of child care facilities. They may not directly address the issue of discipline in the same manner as child welfare regulations do.