Behavior Guidance Policies
Our goals at Prince of Peace Lutheran Preschool are to help children feel good about themselves, to help children develop self-discipline, and to learn to consider the needs and desires of others. To help achieve these goals, we use the following guidelines in working with children:
- We prepare the environment so that there are enough choices of activities for all the children to do and enough materials available to prevent arguments over them.
- We state the rules as clearly as possible and in a positive way. If a child acts inappropriately, we tell the child what they should do, rather than dwelling on what they should not do. We remember to catch children being good and following rules.
- We give clear and precise reasons and explanations for why we want a child to do something. Our first action is to redirect a child to an appropriate activity or behavior. If necessary, and as a last resort, we will remove a child from the situation. We will never threaten, hit, or shame a child.
- We give choices only when a choice really exists for the child, but we will encourage the child to make decisions.
- Cooperation is emphasized and competition is minimized.
- We feel it is important that children know it is okay to have positive and negative feelings. We help the child label and deal constructively with feelings.
As a last resort, a child will be removed from the classroom.