Discipline Policy
Sunshine Early Learning Center’s mission is to support the growth of all children and families equitably so that they can learn, grow, and shine bright to their highest potential!
At Sunshine Early Learning Centers, we strive to implement strength-based, family-centered approaches to learning and care through developmentally appropriate play-based curriculum. This encompasses diverse, inclusive, culturally responsive instruction, professional development, and supportive community services program wide.
LEARN
Use our play-based curriculum to learn social emotional skills with other children, adults, and the community.
GROW
Grow in physical, cognitive, and social-emotional skills, develop a love of learning, and become a lifelong learner!
SHINE
For each child to learn that everyone is unique, to shine in their uniqueness, and to be proud of who they are and what they can do.
We use the following disciplinary techniques where they are age appropriate: Giving Choices, Problem Solving, Natural, and Logical Consequences, Ignoring, Redirecting, Breaks.
Discipline does not mean punishment. Discipline is teaching a child how to be safe, how to behave on his/her own and how to know the difference between right and wrong. The staff will use praise and positive methods of discipline and guidance to encourage self-expression and self-direction of the children in the Center. The limits may be set at times in order to keep children from losing control or causing harm to themselves or others. Breaks are only one way to handle a situation and allow the child to regain control of his/her actions and feelings. Time away from the group will not exceed the following schedule. A timer may be used.
Twos 30 seconds to 2 minutes
Preschoolers 3 to 5 minutes School-age 5 to 10 minutes
Positive ways to channel children's emotions and handling misbehavior include:
Redirect negative behavior to an acceptable activity by gently encouraging the child to change activities.
Ignore the behavior.
Help children understand consequences to behavior.
Limit choices.
Use the resources available at the Center or ask for assistance with specific situations you are uncomfortable handling.
Remember never to humiliate, frighten or abuse a child. Respect their feelings and let them know whatever they are feeling is okay - but it is the way they express it that we want to help them control. Let the children know your feelings. Tell them you are not upset with them, but with their actions. Communicate with the children and model positive behaviors for them to imitate. Make sure what you are asking the children is appropriate for their developmental level. Make sure all classroom rules are clear and understood at their level.
Consult with parents since they know their child best. Emphasize the partnership between caregiver and parent in an attempt to defuse a tense situation involving a problem with the child's behavior.