The discipline and guidance process of FACE Children's Center is consistent and is based on an understanding of the individual needs and development of the child. The goals of our policy are to maximize growth and development of the children and to protect the group and the individuals within it.

Using positive approaches will not eliminate hassles, but it can show children that conflicts can be handled in helpful ways. Our teachers are encouraged to solve problems with the children together. Children need to air their feelings before they can be expected to help resolve an issue or accept a teacher's decision. Our teachers will appreciate good behavior, efforts, and improvements with verbal praise - lots of it.

Physical punishment in all forms is harmful to children. This includes hitting, hair pulling, pinching, belting, spanking, and beating. The teachers never use physical punishment, screaming or demeaning behavior.

Re-direct - It's not enough simply to tell children what they can't do. They also need to know what they can do. For example, "The chair is not for jumping, but you may jump on the floor."

Distraction - This is also a good tool to use with young children. If a child is misbehaving, we try to get the child to join in another activity. An example would be if the child is throwing sand in the air, we try to get the child interested in the swings.

Children will learn the natural consequences of their actions. Because young children do not usually associate consequences to their actions, the teacher will clarify for the children the natural consequences of their behavior.

Our teachers will always set clear limits and are prepared to repeat the limit several times. Children cannot be expected to jump on command or to remember a rule the first time it is given. We make realistic requests, and make sure that our requirements fit the age and capabilities of the child.

There are times when a child needs to leave an activity or the group because of misbehavior. Teachers want to talk things over with the child to have a clear understanding of just what has happened. This two way conversation is an important step in the process of a child understanding his or her behavior.

Please refer to the specifics of our policy at FACE Children's Center and learn more about our efforts with conflict resolution.