Our Discipline Policy
***Self control, self-direction, self-esteem and cooperation will always be encouraged.
***Corporal punishment will never be used in any way, and meals, snacks, rest and toilet use will never be used as punishments.
Our Four-Step Method of Discipline
1. Verbal Warning: The child will be warned about or asked to change what they are doing. "Joey, please use your hands nicely."
2. Removal: The child will be removed from the activity or area. "Joey, I would like you to play over here."
3. Taking a Break: The child will be asked to sit down and "take a break" from others. Children under 6 will sit in the Thinking Pad (One minute per year of age). Children 6 and above will sit in the Reflection Corner and write in their journal why they are there and what they can do to make it right. (Again, one minute per year of age)
4. If behavior does not improve, the parent will be notified at pick-up and asked for participation in resolving the problem.
Other methods we use
Choices:
**The children will be given choices whenever possible.
**Two choices will be suggested when resistance is possible.
**The choices will be real and valid.
Positive Reinforcement:
**Children will be given directions and suggestions in positive statements, not negative forms.
**Reinforcements will be given when children do right.
**Indirect suggestions and reminders will be given, emphasizing what children are to do.
**Encouragement will be used appropriately, focusing on helping children achieve success and understanding what is to be learned.
**Reasons will be given for requests.
Planning Ahead:
**Children will be allowed plenty of time to respond. They will be given an opportunity to decide their course of action.
**Limits and rules will be reviewed periodically.
**Children will be encouraged to talk things over.
Always Avoided:
**Methods that will shame, frighten or humiliate.
**Physical abuse.
**Comparisons among children.
**Carryovers from the incident. (Once it is over, it will be left behind.)
**Consequences that are too long, punitive, or postponed.
**Making promises that cannot be kept.
**Being overly helpful. (Children will be allowed to do as much as they can by themselves, including solving conflicts.)
**Threatening with loss of affection.
