Thanks for your note. We have a set behavior policy including a simple group of rules. Upon enrollment, these rules are discussed with the child and parents and the parents sign the rules to show their agreement, and so does the child. The rules include: We use kind touches and kind words. We take care of our things. We try to be safe everywhere. We listen. The policy states that no physical punishment will be used. The children will first be redirected. They will be reminded of the rule that applies at that time. If redirection is unsuccessful, the child may be asked to sit and talk with the teacher for a few minutes. The teacher will discuss the behavior with the child and try to help the child come up with another solution to whatever the problem was. The child will be encouraged to use words, or ask the teacher for help. If multiple attempts to correct the behavior are unsuccessful and the behavior warrants stronger intervention, they parents may be called in for a conference with the director and teacher. If still further intervention becomes necessary, the child may be suspended for a day or two. The rules and consequences are clearly spelled out and parents are asked to sign a statement that says that they understand that these rules and consequences are necessary for the safety of their child and the other children in attendance. In 10 years, I have only seen one child suspended from attendance, and 2 that required a conference with the parents.

Consequences in the classroom are always very logical. If the child refuses to clean up these materials she used, tomorrow she will not be able to choose those materials. If the behavior persists, she will need to sit at the table with materials of the teacher’s choosing. It rarely comes to that though, because often the teacher will insist that the child clean up and will provide hand-over-hand assistance. The children don’t like that and will usually comply if it comes to that, so it rarely gets to the point where there must be further intervention.

Just remember, rules and consequences should be simple and clearly stated, and parents and children should sign to indicate their acceptance of the rules.

Just some suggestions, hope you find this useful.

*Don’t put anything in your mouth unless it’s food

*Indoor voices

*Only make messes you know you can clean

*No running indoors