Our philosophy regarding discipline at Corporate Toddlers is one of positive reinforcement. We will never utilize any method that lowers a child's self esteem or subjects him/her to any form of abusive treatment. Our intent is to encourage desirable social behavior with both peers and staff members through praise, reward and by example. Rest assured, each staff member is clearly instructed on exactly how to implement our policy.
At Corporate Toddlers, we use a SIT and WATCH form of discipline for any disruptions or aggressions that interfere with other children's play. When a child misbehaves a teacher will do the following:
Remain calm and talk in a friendly voice. Describe the incorrect and correct behavior. Ask the child to sit on the periphery of play and watch the others. After 15 or 30 seconds, the child will be invited to return and the teacher will describe the expected behavior. The teacher will try to get a response indicating the child understands. When to use SIT and WATCH:
A child shows mild physical or verbal aggression toward other children or adults. Takes toys out of the hand of another child. Makes dangerous or destructive use of toys. Acts dangerously or destructively toward center property. Takes a toy out of its area. Screams or shouts at a quiet time. For severe misbehavior the "Time-Out" chair will be used when a child physically hurts another child by:
Biting Pinching or scratching Hitting with an object The teacher will do the following for severe misbehavior:
Take the child immediately to the "Time-Out" chair. Explain that what they did hurts and they should treat their friends gently. Leave the child for 30 seconds to a minute. The teacher will return to the child and try to get a response to how to treat other children. The child returns to play. The teacher should wait a minute or two and compliment the child for playing peacefully with others. Praise really makes a difference! When the above procedures fail to calm the child or produce the desired results, the child is removed from the classroom environment and placed under the care of our Director, our Nurse or the person monitoring the front entrance to our facility (usually the owner). The duration of this care depends on the child's age and emotional state. We will never subject any child to an unreasonable amount of time away from his or her peers.
POSITIVE DISCIPLINE TECHNIQUES
Let children know what you expect. Redirect. Have positive expectations. Give a warning. Stay simple. Turn the problem into a game. Let child air their feelings. Be flexible. Help children take responsibility. Count. Use role reversal. Notice effort and improvement. Appreciate and acknowledge good behavior.