· Rewarding good behaviour. Because rewards are constructive, they encourage further effort. Punishment is destructive - it humiliates the children and makes them feel powerless.
· Encouraging self-discipline and respect for others. Because children need to grow into people who behave well even when there's no one to tell them what to do.
· Setting realistic limits according to age and stage of development. Because as children grow and develop our expectations of them change.
· Setting a good example. Because young children take more notice of how we are and what we say.
· Encouragement, not orders and instructions. Because 'do as your told' teaches nothing for next time. Positive discipline means explaining why.
· Being consistent - saying no and meaning no. Because children need to know where they stand and it helps if they know that we mean what we say.
· Praise, appreciation and attention. Because when children are used to getting attention with good behaviour, they won't seek it by misbehaving.
· Building children's self esteem. Shaming, scolding, hurting and humiliating children can lead to even worse behaviour. Attention, approval and praise can build self-esteem, a child who feels valued is more likely to behave well.
I maintain a positive discipline policy, which focuses on prevention, redirection, love, consistency and firmness. I stress two main patterns of behaviour: respect for other people and respect for property. The children are explained the rules of the day-care home frequently, so they are all familiar with the guidelines. Please keep in mind that there WILL be disagreements between children. Young children, especially, who are not adept at communication, have a hard time expressing their feelings. Sometimes they hit, throw toys, bite, etc. Although teaching children appropriate behaviour is what we will be doing, remember that this behaviour is normal, in most cases. I will try to prevent problems, redirect when appropriate, discuss inappropriate behaviour, encourage making amends when offence involves another person and sometimes withdraw privileges based on the principle of "natural consequences". An example might be where a child is misusing a toy, then (s)he will not be allowed to play with the toy for a period of time. The use of time outs will be rare, as I have not found them to be particularly effective, except when a brief cooling off period is needed. Sometimes when children are fighting about, or throwing toys, I will put the toy in a short time out, and then bring it back into circulation a little later. This seems to work better than giving the child a time out.
Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES will there be any spanking, physical abuse, verbal abuse, name-calling or isolation used. Neither food nor sleep will ever be withheld from children as a means of punishment.
If a discipline problem arises that does not respond to the above-mentioned techniques, I will hold a conference with the parents. Together, we will try to find a solution. You may be called to remove your child if his/her behaviour prevents me from being able to properly care for the other children. If the problem continues, other arrangements for the care of the child will have to be made, for the safety and well being of all.