We dislike the term ‘discipline’ because it is often associated with something adults do ‘to’ children. Instead, we work to help each child become self-disciplined by seeing how his or her behaviour affects others. We use consistent limits based on common-sense rules that are appropriate for the child’s age group. For example, children younger than three aren’t expected to understand the concept of sharing but we do expect them to treat each other gently as they play alongside one other.
An environment must be secure and manageable for children to learn to feel good about themselves. Our staff practices positive methods of guidance that help the child learn to control, modify, change, and maintain desirable behaviour. There is zero tolerance for any staff action that would cause a child pain or humiliation.
We teach children to solve problems by using their words. We teach that it is okay to feel angry or frustrated but that hitting, biting or throwing things is not okay. Children are never humiliated; we use positive language to redirect their behaviour. Children are given choices that are real and they learn that they can count on us to be consistent and that consequences will be logical.