At Jericho’s After School Learning Program, we believe in fostering a positive and respectful environment where children can learn and grow. Our approach to behavior management emphasizes understanding, guidance, and encouragement rather than punishment. This section outlines the strategies and principles we use to guide children's behavior.
Guiding Principles
1. Respect and Empathy: All children are treated with respect and encouraged to show kindness to others.
2. Consistency: Clear and consistent boundaries help children understand expectations and feel secure.
3. Positive Reinforcement: Good behavior is acknowledged and rewarded through praise and encouragement.
4. Problem-Solving: We encourage children to think critically and find solutions to conflicts with guidance.
Behavior Guidance Strategies
1. Setting Clear Expectations:
○ We communicate age-appropriate rules and routines in a positive manner.
○ Rules are simple and consistently reinforced (e.g., "We use gentle hands," "We take turns").
2. Modeling Appropriate Behavior:
○ Teachers and staff model kindness, patience, and problem-solving techniques.
3. Redirection:
○ When inappropriate behavior occurs, children are gently redirected toward positive activities.
4. Encouraging Communication:
○ We teach children to express their feelings and needs using words or other appropriate methods.
5. Natural Consequences:
○ Whenever possible, children experience natural consequences of their actions (e.g.,cleaning up after spilling).
6. Time to Reflect:
○ If needed, children may be given a brief, supervised “cool-down” period to reflect on their actions. This is not a punishment but an opportunity for self-regulation.
Prohibited Practices
To ensure a nurturing and safe environment, the following practices are strictly prohibited:
● Corporal punishment (e.g., spanking, hitting)
● Verbal abuse, ridicule, or harsh language
● Withholding food, rest, or comfort as a form of discipline
● Isolating or ignoring children as punishment
Handling Challenging Behaviors
1. Observation and Documentation:
○ Teachers observe and document recurring challenging behaviors to identify triggers or patterns.
2. Collaboration with Parents:
○ Parents will be informed promptly if a behavior persists.
○ Together, we will create an action plan to address the behavior in a consistent and supportive manner.
3. Individualized Support Plans:
○ If needed, a child may receive individualized attention or referrals for additional support (e.g., child psychologists, therapists).
Conflict Resolution and Peer Disputes
When children have conflicts with peers, we guide them through the following steps:
1. Calmly stop any unsafe behavior.
2. Help children express their feelings and listen to one another.
3. Brainstorm solutions together.
4. Encourage reconciliation and guide them to resume play cooperatively.
Parental Communication
We maintain open communication with parents regarding their child's behavior, both positive and challenging. Updates are shared through:
● Daily notes or conversations at pick-up/drop-off.
● Scheduled parent-teacher conferences.
● Immediate contact for serious incidents or safety concerns.
By working together, we aim to nurture children’s social-emotional skills, helping them to develop self-discipline, empathy, and respect for others.
Parent Acknowledgment of Behavior and Discipline Policy
I acknowledge that I have received, reviewed, and understand the Behavior and Discipline Policy of Jericho Partnership's After School Learning Program. I agree to support these guidelines and collaborate with the staff to promote a positive and nurturing environment for my child. I understand the center's approach to behavior management and agree to partner with the program in addressing any behavioral concerns should they arise. By signing this form, I confirm that I have read the policy and will adhere to the practices outlined in it.