Although the words "discipline" and "punishment" are often used to mean the same thing, they are actually very different. Discipline means guiding and directing children toward acceptable behavior. The most important goal of discipline is to help children gain inner control. We discipline children to help them learn the consequence of their actions.

Children need to have their feelings validated. "I know you really want to play with that truck right now” Understand how they might feel, and help them find a solution. There are a variety of ways to guide children's behavior.

NOTE: We want to correct (change) the behavior (action) of the child; NOT THE CHILD.

IMMEDIATE REMOVAL: If a child is ever harming his/her self, others or being destructive we will remove the child from that situation immediately.

PROBLEM SOLVING SKILLS: When conflicts arise that can be "talked out", first validate their feelings, then give choices and help the child/children try to find a solution. The teacher/assistant will take the initiative.

REDIRECTION: When a child becomes frustrated or over-stimulated, before a problem arises - the child will be redirected to another activity, area, group, etc. Suggestions: "Let's go read a book together."; "We have been inside a while, let's go outside together and I will push you on the swings."; "I know you are great at coloring, why don't we get the markers out?".

TIME-OUT: This can be used when a child: Chooses not to listen to the teacher/assistant. Will not follow simple school rules, after they have been explained.

DISCIPLINE:

At Community Christian Preschool we believe all classrooms should have an environment conducive to learning. We will teach all children the importance of developing responsibility and self-control.  The staff of Community Christian Preschool believes that all students have the right to learn in a distraction-free environment and that no student has the right to distract from the learning environment of the classroom. With this goal in mind, we have developed a set of age-appropriate expectations and have established a set of positive rewards which may include: verbal and/or written praise and recognition. special rewards or privileges. We will try to instill in our children a respect for each other's rights. The children will learn to play and cooperate with teachers and teacher's assistants as well as with their peers. If a child's inappropriate behavior becomes a distraction in the classroom, the parent will be notified in person and with a written notification. The third notice requires a meeting to be scheduled with the preschool Director to assess the situation. The Preschool Director and board members will meet and determine the appropriate action, which could include dismissal of the child from the Preschool.