Playground
It is to be noted that the playground is an extension of our school program. As children walk from the classroom to the playground they will be escorted by two staff persons and required to walk in a single file line. One staff person will be at the front of the line and the other at the back of the line. To maintain safety and fun play, children will be taught the rules of the playground (respect for others, take turns, no teasing or bullying and absolutely no pushing, hitting or kicking). In order for your child to enjoy participation in the program, please have him/her prepared for the weather. State regulatory laws require that all children are to spend at least 30 to 45 minutes twice a day outside.
Bullying
Global Purpose Academy is committed to providing all students with a safe and civil environment, and will not tolerate any form of bullying at any school activity. Bullying shall mean any written, electronic, verbal, physical, or social act that willfully harms another. Aggravated bullying shall mean willful harm motivated by race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, mental disability, physical disability, appearance, or socioeconomic status. Staff, faculty, and volunteers who observe an act of bullying are expected to take immediate, appropriate steps to intervene. If the staff member or volunteer believes his or her intervention has not resolved the matter, he or she shall report it to the Director and document the incident in writing. The Director will inform the parent or guardian of any student who was observed as a victim or perpetrator of bullying. Depending on the frequency and severity of the conduct, intervention, counseling, correction, discipline, or referral to law enforcement will be used to remedy the impact on the victim and change the perpetrator’s behavior.
Discipline
At Global Purpose Academy our goal is to address the whole child. In obtaining this goal we strive to encourage self-discipline. The child's classroom experience allows him to make choices based upon their interest and their knowledge concerning the available work. Guidelines are set before the children the first day they attend school. They are shown what is acceptable and what is not. We are a child-centered school where the child is highly prioritized. If situations occur that requires the intervention of staff, we will use several techniques to handle problems as they arise. Redirection is the most common method of intervention. Children will be removed from the situation where conflict has occurred and are given other activities or work to do that will redirect those energies in a more positive direction. Should an extreme situation occur where redirection is not effective, staff will use a time for self-reflection method that allows a child to take a few minutes (one minute per age of child) to calm down and stabilize emotions before returning to the group. Staff will use this time to assist the child in sorting out those emotions and feelings that caused the disruption in the first place. At no point is Corporal Punishment acceptable at Global Purpose Academy. We realize that on rare occasions a child's behavior may warrant the need to find a more suitable school setting. We will assist the family in finding an appropriate setting that will suit their child's needs.
Actions/consequences
• A child appears to be a danger to him/herself, other children attending the school, faculty or anyone else at the school
• Any other situation in which the accommodations required for the child's success and participation place an undue burden on school resources and finances and removal is in the best interest of the child or the school
• Fighting will not be tolerated
• Verbal and or physical abuse to a faculty
• Destruction of materials or school property
• Unruly conduct At any point that a child"s behavior/circumstance is of concern to a teacher or administrator, written documentation and family/teacher communication will begin as the first step to understanding the problem.
Suspension Procedures
• Failure to pay tuition for more than one month will result in suspension until fees are paid.
• Failure to present current health forms (within 30 days of enrollment) or to present any forms deemed necessary by the school (as required by Bright from the Start and Department of Education) will result in suspension until the required forms are brought in and are up to date.
• Suspension may result if a child intentionally causes serious injury to himself, another child or teacher. The child may return to school after a meeting with parents, which will set up guidelines mutually agreed upon, by the director and parent for the well-being of all of the children in the school.
• The school will notify parents in writing of the reason for suspension prior to the actual suspension.
• The director will keep a record of any suspension and reason in the child’s folder.
Termination Procedures Reasons for terminating a child from the center:
• Continued behavior that could cause bodily harm or injury to the child, other children and / or adults.
• If our program is unable to be adapted so as to be beneficial to a child’s needs.
• Non-payment of tuition or unacceptable behavior by a parent including but not limited to verbal abuse of staff, refusal to meet with teacher/director when requested, refusal to adhere to school policies.
• Parents to be notified in writing of termination and reasons and also at a face-to-face meeting to discuss reasons for termination and how center has tried to deal with the situation.
• Director to inform parents of the availability of information and referral services (and provide referral service if requested by parents).
• Keep a copy of the termination letter and reasons in the child’s records.
• When any child is terminated from the center (whether initiated by parent or school), the teacher will prepare the child for leaving in terms the child can understand. The teacher will to talk to the departing child and the other children and explain simple reasons for leaving. Children can make pictures of themselves for the departing child to take with him/her as a remembrance of his/her school friends.
Procedures for Avoiding Suspension / Termination
• The Director will provide an opportunity to meet with parents to discuss options other than suspension or termination.
• Referrals will be offered to parents for evaluation, diagnostic or therapeutic services.
• The Director will pursue options for supportive services, including consultation & educator training.
• A plan for behavioral intervention at home and in the program will be developed.