·•The Child Development Center uses a variety of positive guidance techniques including problem solving, cooperation, making choices, and redirecting behavior in a positive manner. The discipline policy is aimed at helping children develop and internalize a sense of autonomy, self-control, and cooperative behavior. The staff speaks to children at their eye level and actively listens to both their verbal and non-verbal messages. We model appropriate behavior, and set an example for children to follow. Under each staff member's guidance children learn to solve their conflicts and disagreements.

•The classroom rules and consequences are always age appropriate, definable, enforceable and consistent. We focus on the behavior, not the child. We validate children's positive behavior, promote confidence in their ability, and may ignore a child's negative behavior if it is considered not to be harmful to themselves or others.

•Time outs are not used at the Child Development Center, but at times we may find it
necessary to remove a child from a situation to ensure the safety of all the children.
If this occurs, a staff member will remove the child from only that particular area of
the classroom and remain in the classroom with the child, redirecting the child
until he/she has regained his or her self-control. When the child feels in
control he/she may return to all areas of the room.

•The Child Development Center's discipline policy does not permit hitting, abusive language, or ridicule. Discipline will not be associated with withholding outdoor activities, food, rest, or emotional response.

•Food will not be used as an incentive or reward for positive behavior.

•Children will never be isolated without supervision.

Discipline Techniques include:
Focusing on behavior:
"Blocks are for building, not for throwing."

Problem Solving:
"What do you think might happen if we run inside the classroom?"

Redirection:
"I see you are having a difficult time playing in the block area right now, let's find another area to play in together, then when you feel that you are ready to remember the rules you can go back and play with the blocks again."

Validating Positive Behavior:
"I see you remembered to put your lunch box away."

Making Choices
"You have a choice, you can eat your apple or you can eat your grapes."