Eastridge Church

Hey Folks!

If you haven't already done this make sure you go to the first posting and let me know who you are! I'd like to keep an idea of who is reading all this wonderfulness!!! Thanks to ya'll who have logged in (and kudo's to those of you who figured out how to do it... we were having some trouble with the system!).

So for this weeks post I'm putting up the Discipline Policy... now granted, this might only pertain to toddlers and preschool, but I'd love to get insight what issues ya'll are having with your classes, including the older kids! What problems with classroom control are going on? Are things going pretty smoothly? Anyone curious how to handle a situation that's come up? This in the venue to air such things!

Let me know!

Danae

Here's the Dis-Pol:

Eastridge Kids Ministry Discipline Policy

The goal of Eastridge's children's ministry is to foster a sense of both fun and learning. Often, discipline can be handled by redirecting the child or teenager to a more constructive use of time and energy. Keeping the learning environment active and fun will usually eliminate the need for a lot of discipline.

Positive reinforcement and redirection should always be the first resort for behavior issues. Always compliment good behavior and encourage thoughtfulness or helpfulness. If you see a child in questionable behavior, encourage him or her to do something else rather than reprimanding them.
Ex: Jimmy keeps on pushing down the blocks. Instead of giving him a warning you could say, "Jimmy, let's see how HIGH we can build a tower!"

However, children should also understand that sometimes it is necessary to listen to lessons, instructions for an activity, etc. It's important not to disrupt classroom times because that takes away from the fun and learning of fellow students.

When "discipline" is necessary, all interaction will carefully consider a child or teenager's integrity and fragility. All children will be treated with gentleness, respect, and understanding. Physical punishment will never be used.

We do a "warning" system. It is important to give them a warning in the form of a "choice."
Ex: Susie is coloring on other kids papers, you would say: "You have a choice, if you keep drawing on other children's papers, you will have to sit by yourself."

If a child is doing something wrong they will be given 2 or 3 warnings and then a time-out. A child will be put in time-out without a warning or with only 1 warning if he or she is hurting someone. Usually one warning and redirection is enough for a child to behave rightly. If there are any further behavior problems the child will have 1 warning and then a time-out. 3 time-outs in one class session will result in calling the parent. (This happens very rarely.)

Time-outs should be done discretely (as to not make a child feel embarrassed) and with proper follow-up so the child can understand how to avoid that consequence in the future. If a child is put in time out for hurting themselves or another child, parents should be briefed on the situation privately when their child is picked up.