Child Guidance and Behavior

POLICY:

Positive behavior strategies will be used when teaching children how to manage their own behavior. Child guidance and classroom management decisions will promote positive social skills, foster mutual respect, strengthen self-esteem, and support safe environments

PROCEDURES:

Positive behavioral strategies are proactive, and serve to teach children skills to manage their own behavior.  Individual and cultural factors will be considered when planning for and providing guidance.  The following guidelines will be followed in classrooms:

1. Teachers will plan a safe and appropriate classroom environment that supports pro-social behavior.
2. All adults will interact with children in a positive, friendly, and socially supportive manner, modeling pro-social behavior with each other and with the children.
3. Children will be provided with alternative choices and will be directed away from inappropriate behavior without engaging in power struggles between child and adult.
4. Schedules and routines will promote predictability and security for children; adequate time and preparation will be allowed for children to transition from one activity to another.
5. Children will be involved in developing clear, reasonable and consistent classroom rules.  Rules will be reviewed regularly as new children enter the classroom, and will be consistently enforced by program staff.
6. Children will be taught positive social skills through direct teaching, modeling, and using practice with competent peers.
7. Expectations for appropriate behavior will be clearly and consistently stated and appropriate behavior will be recognized through praise and encouragement.

Forms and Additional Guidance: