Discipline Policy

Discipline is not about punishment or control. Discipline is about guiding and teaching children, helping them to make wise decisions about their behavior and allowing them to gradually accept responsibility for their choices and actions. Our goal is to work toward helping each child feel encouraged.

We are a child-centered environment. Simple, clear-cut classroom rules will be established with the children at the beginning of the school year. Our teachers try to anticipate inappropriate behavior. For our 2 year olds, distraction and redirection are appropriate methods to help children keep control. When working with our older students, our teachers try to understand the "why" behind behaviors. When we understand the motivation behind a behavior, we can help the child develop the skills needed to replace the inappropriate behavior. The goal of behavior management is to always teach, never punish. Praising appropriate behavior helps to reinforce positive actions.

If a child demonstrates unacceptable behavior and does not respond to the teacher, it may be necessary for the child to be removed from the situation. The child will be brought to the Director’s office. This gives the child time to calm down and talk about their feelings. If a child has ongoing behavior problems, a conference will be requested with the parents.

Corporal punishment is never used to discipline a child. It is against the law and will result in the immediate dismissal of a staff person.