The Moorings Presbyterian Preschool Program believes that both children & staff have three basic rights:

1. Everyone has the right to be free from verbal & physical abuse.
2. Everyone has the right to learn, grow, & have fun.
3. Everyone has the right to safety for themselves & their personal property.

The goal of discipline for children is to help them learn acceptable limits of behavior & to help them develop self-control of their behavior. This is accomplished by providing an environment that allows for independence, yet sets clear limits & expectations of the child. Limits are maintained by adults who have realistic expectations of the child based on the child’s developmental level.

Discipline may take many forms & will be geared to the child’s age & the severity of the problem. When possible, the program will allow the child to experience the natural consequences of their actions. In no instances will any form of corporal punishment, humiliation, ridicule, threat, or other similar action be used or condoned with children. The program also prohibits parents, guardians, & others from using any of the aforementioned while at the program’s centers. Children will be encouraged to work out problems constructively & develop respect for self, others, & their environment.

If a child exhibits behavior that infringes on another person’s rights or property, one or more of the following actions will occur. These are examples only & these actions may or may not occur in this order. Program staff will match an action appropriate with the misbehavior.

• The child may experience the logical consequences of their actions.
• The child may be redirected to an appropriate activity.
• The child may be reminded of the program/school’s rules.
• The child may be given time to reflect about their behavior.
• The child may be put “off limits” from a piece of equipment or area of the site.
• The parent/guardian may be called & required to pick up the child.
• The parent/guardian may be contacted, & a conference will be arranged to discuss ways of solving the problem.
• Child’s schedule may be reduced short term or permanently.

Limits are set in each classroom to ensure safety for all children, care of property, good health habits, & consideration for others. Our goal is to help a child retain control of emotions & actions. When necessary, teachers will: redirect a child to another activity; temporarily remove a child from the situation or activity; or schedule a parent conference.

At no time shall children be subjected to discipline that is severe, humiliating, or frightening. Discipline shall not be associated with food, rest, or toileting. Spanking or any other form of physical punishment is prohibited.