|
POSITIVE DISCIPLINE
Positive Discipline Policy
Corporal punishment is NOT allowed at TCC CDL. Children are
never hit, slapped or spanked even with parental permission or request. This
policy applies to all employees and parents. Violation of this policy would
result in the immediate dismissal of an employee or parent and the incident
reported to child care licensing. It is the responsibility of the Director
to inform staff and parents of the policy.
Children are never ridiculed, humiliated, teased or embarrassed.
Sending a child to a younger age group as a means of punishment or discipline
is inappropriate and not a part of the discipline policy at the Lab. It is
embarrassing and humiliating for the child and, therefore, would not be effective
in correcting behavior.
The opportunity for a child to participate in curriculum activities
(i.e. field trips, outdoor play, computers etc.) is not used as
a means of controlling behavior. These activities are only denied when the
actions of the child endanger the child or another child and are related to
the activity or field trip in question. The staff consults with the Director
for additional guidance when necessary.
Food is never withheld as a means of discipline, nor is it
appropriate to use food as a reward for behavior.
Positive Discipline Techniques
Positive discipline techniques are used at the Lab. Discipline
is to be consistent and the age and individual needs of the child is considered.
When children are engaged in enjoyable activities, the need for discipline is
diminished. Example: The children are made to wait while the teacher covers
the table, mixes the paint, and gathers paint smocks. The teacher becomes annoyed
when two children begin running around the table and two others begin fighting
over a chair. Instead of scolding the children, the teachers "owns the
problem" due to lack of adequate preparation for the activity. The children
would have enjoyed helping to cover the tables and mix the paint. In fact, mixing
the paint and noting the color and texture changes in a great learning experience.
Positive discipline techniques include:
- Distraction and redirection: The teacher suggests appropriate
behavior.
- A quiet, private talk: The teacher shows respect for the
child's feelings; gets down on the child's level, looks into the child's eyes
and gives the child complete attention. The teacher is direct and brief.
- Direct praise: The teacher gives direct praise to a child
who is behaving appropriately. The teacher catches a child being good and
comments directly to the child. The teacher avoids only commenting on inappropriate
behavior.
- Indirect praise: The teacher gives direct praise to a child
who is behaving appropriately but who is next to a child who is misbehaving.
For example: Sally is quiet and ready to go outside but is next to a child
who is being disruptive. The teacher says, "I see that Sally is quiet
and ready to go outside."
- Teaching by example or adult role model: The teacher displays
the attitudes or behaviors that are desired in children. For example: When
asking children to be quiet and rest, the teacher used a soft voice. Learning
to express emotions verbally and honestly is a normal part of childhood. Teachers
can help by modeling appropriate behavior and by teaching an acceptable vocabulary
to express anger, annoyance, happiness, sadness, loss etc.
- Logical consequences: The outcome is a natural consequence
of the misbehavior. For example, a child who intentionally pours out all the
paint on the art table is not allowed to finish his/her picture because there
is no more paint to use at that time.
Positive Discipline Training
The Director is responsible for providing staff members with
information concerning positive discipline techniques. This is done at teachers’
meetings.
Parent Notification of Behavior
On occasion it is necessary for the Director to make parents
aware of inappropriate behavior including but not limited to: biting, excessive
fighting or aggression, excessive use of foul language, continually leaving
the group or any other behavior that endangers the child, other children or
staff. The Director notifies the parent of these behaviors using the Incident
form. The Director completes the form, personally discusses it with the parent,
when necessary requests a parent conference and obtains the parent's signature.
If a parent conference is not requested by the Director, the parent has the
option of requesting one. The Director and staff work out a convenient time
for the parent to meet. The Director provides the parent with a copy and keeps
a copy on file in the Lab.
Complete PDF
Version
|
