Classroom

Positive Guidance

Learning proper behavior takes practice.  Like everything else, children need to be taught how to behave. Children learn by watching the behavior of their parents, teachers and peers, as well as by testing their own behaviors. Each behavioral episode is a chance to teach a child what is expected in that particular situation.  Every situation should be approached differently based on the child’s age, developmental stage and the behavior displayed. Responsive relationships and positive discipline techniques create supportive environments where children can grow and thrive.

Discipline

Positive non-punitive methods of developing self-control are the only methods of classroom discipline that are accepted and used at PLCFD.  Such methods include but are not limited to:

• Setting simple, clear and consistent rules, limits, and expectations that are appropriate for the age of the child which reinforce positive behavior.

• Providing children with choices in activities throughout the day.

• Ignoring negative attention-seeking behavior whenever possible.

• Making requests in positive and affirmative ways.

• Offering alternatives and providing limited choices when children display undesirable behaviors to teach decision making.

• Anticipating situations which may cause problems and making necessary modifications.

• Redirecting undesirable behavior by using distractions or substitutions.

• Allowing children to reflect on their behaviors and use their problem solving skills to rectify their mistakes.

• When appropriate, developing classroom rules, limits and expectations with input from the children.

• Continuously reinforcing and praising positive behavior.

• Demonstrating appropriate ways to communicate and get attention. 

The following practices are unacceptable and will NOT be used at the Center:

1. Spanking or ANY form of corporal punishment.

2. Shaking a child.

3. Cruel or humbling treatment of any kind.

4. Verbal abuse including using “shut up”.

5. Deprivation of a meal or other food as a punishment. 

6. Forcing a child to eat or drink.

7. Punishing a child for refusing to eat or drink.

8. Excluding a child from special events or activities.

9. Subjecting a child to child abuse, neglect, mental injury, or any injurious treatment.

10. Teasing children and or allowing children to be teased.