Discipline Statement

Our positive approach to discipline is teaching children to express their feelings through words and appropriately expressive play equipment (such as balls, beanbags and play dough). Children become familiar with expressions like "I'm not for hitting", "I'm your friend" and "I want to play with you." Communication between children becomes an important social skill as well as a discipline statement. We use redirecting and communication instead of time out. Words such as "No" and "Stop" are reserved for emergency or safety situations.

Testing limits is a natural part of being a child and creating logical limits is part of being a teacher and a working parent. We will set clear limits, stating simple related consequences and redirecting children to alternatives. In the event that a child goes as far as to hurt another child, he/she will be encouraged to assist in caring for his/her friend (by providing ice packs, bandages and comfort). This allows him/her to see the consequences of his/her actions, and help relieve guilty feelings and show concern.

Should a conflict arise between two children (and they will) we will approach calmly, stopping any hurtful actions or words, gather information, acknowledging their feelings and restating the problem. We will then provide the forum for the children to communicate to each other, allowing them to come up with some solutions and together they will choose one that best fits their needs. Our role as teachers is to facilitate, not to judge or decide for them, and we will give follow up support as needed.

Open communication is an essential part of Pleasant Valley Cooperative Preschool. Should a problem arise, the teacher will confer with parents to develop a collaborative solution. A plan of action will be developed based on the child's need and our knowledge of Child Development.