POSITIVE DISCIPLINE POLICY

Goal (Philosophy):  Children will be given developmentally and age appropriate opportunities that will allow them to learn respect for self and others increase their self-esteem and developing self-control strategies.  This will be done with guidance from their caregivers that will be done with the utmost respect for the children and in a manner that always preserves the child’s self-esteem.

Methods:  Following are the strategies that will be utilized to bring the child towards self-control.  All teachers and staff will be well versed on these strategies and will be able to follow that strategy or strategies that are appropriate for the child’s age.

·         Corporal punishment will not be allowed.  Any form of discipline that frightens, demeans, shames or humiliates the child will be strictly prohibited.

·         Clear and consistent rules, routines and limits (appropriate to the child’s age) will be used.

·         Routines and daily schedules will be implemented.  This structure comforts children when they know what the expectations of the day are.

·         Children will be given choices; this will help to alleviate frustration.  Giving them choices allows the children to feel in control of the situation and respects their individual preferences.

·         The caregivers and staff will always be gentle and kind, but at the same time firm.  The caregivers will always strive to follow through as quickly as possible if a behavior needs to be corrected.  Emphasizing that the child understands the relationship between his/her actions and the consequences.

·         Positive reinforcement will be used as much as possible.  The use of a praise/reward system will encourage the continuation of appropriate behaviors.

·         Redirection will be used when age appropriate.  This will be more heavily relied upon with the younger children (toddlers/infants).

·         The use of “using your words” will be used for children who can effectively communicate.  Using their words will assist in the children beginning negotiate and look at different ways to resolve a problem.

·         The physical set up of the facility will be arranged so children have choices and access to a variety of toys/materials/activities within safe and secure age appropriate limits.  The children will be given as much time as possible to engage in physical activities, which will allow the exertion of pent up energy.

·         The use and reinforcement of etiquette is important.  Respect for others and their property will be emphasized.  The caregivers and staff will strive to model these behaviors.

Continuous Behavior Problems.

If the above strategies fail to work, the following are the actions that will be taken:

·         The child will be given an opportunity to calm him/her and regroup, giving them an opportunity to learn that they can control how they feel and how they act.  The child will be asked to quietly sit somewhere away from the other children.  They will be given a choice of several calming activates (i.e. books, drawing, etc) the inappropriate behavior will be explained to the child.  The child can return to the previous activity when they feel calm enough and ready to return to the group. 

·         The parents will be informed of continuous behavior problems and the caregivers/staff will work in conjunction with the parent to try and solve the problem.  Parents will receive information about community and educational supports, such as the child’s pediatrician, private counseling and/or the Local Early Intervention Program or  the Committee on Preschool Education in which the child lives in. 

·         If the problem cannot be resolved, and the problem harms other children or severely disrupts the program, enrollment may have to be discontinued until support services or a more appropriate placement is found.   This will be a last resort.