Santa Monica , CA
Garden of Angels

Discipline

OVERALL RATING (5.0)

Parents at this school, on average, believe that conflicts between children:
...are handled extraordinarily well in a way that not only gives me confidence in the safety of my child but also reassures me that my child (and his/her peers) are learning the early skills needed to socialize effectively with one another

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Director's Description to School's Approach to Discipline

'Garden of Angels' students are educated on: importance of safety, care of property, manners, rules of conduct, compassion, considerations, and love for others. Our focus is self-discipline, prevention, and accountability. Discipline is directed in a concise and loving manner. We believe that 'Time-Outs' shame and control the present behavior by frightening the student, tearing down self-worth, and taking away their possibilities for solving the problem effectively. We empower our students to be personally responsible in the choices they make and in their actions towards others. The teacher acts as a role model and mediator in each student's classroom experience. Though there are specific boundaries set for discipline our commitment is to give them a practice forum for communication, dialogue, problem solving, and a powerful listening. During a disruption or inappropriate behavior in which a student willfully refuses to yield to instruction or suggestion, the teacher respectfully separates the student from the rest of their community. This separation occurs by 'taking a breather' so the student can calm down and think about their behavior. A student can 'take a breather' wherever they feel comfortable as long as it is not disturbing the group. The student joins the group when they have settled down and have thought of positive alternatives to past behavior. When we give students an opportunity to be a part of the discipline by separating themselves and coming back when they are ready, anger is not present, as it is with 'time-outs'. Our response to 'time-outs' is that children feel that they are being punished and controlled. 'Time-outs' do not promote personal responsibility because children are being taken out of the process and told what to do instead of being personally liberated by disciplining themselves. Adult control does not give students an opportunity to work out their behavior or realize that different considerations and personal boundaries could be set as a choice next time. If there is no choice involved, appropriate learning may not be taking place. Control works for adults but it does not serve the student. Control does not give a student tools to confidently seek answers independently. The teacher reinforces the decision to return to the group by letting them know that though their behavior was unacceptable, their presence and contribution will be missed. When the child rejoins the group they are welcomed, but first must go through a process of accountability where they can state positive alternatives that could have been made that would have been beneficial to the whole community of students. We always take time to acknowledge students who are finding positive alternatives, practicing good communication, attentive listening, personal responsibility, and telling the truth. Recognition reinforces appropriate behavior. Discipline must be consistent, and it is continual in our program. We will always try to effectively solve every discipline issue at school and in partnership with the parents. We expect all of our students to show their ability to do so. Though there are many developmental stages that are tumultuous for a student to go through, a certain amount of them are normal. We as role-models must define a limit to acceptable behavior. If behavior becomes so disruptive that it becomes a detriment to other students, the parent will be notified. If further disruption occurs, the parent will be asked to remove the student from the school for the day. We must remember discipline is 'to teach'.' -- Extracted from the Garden of Angels website

Parents' Notes on Discipline, Health and Safety

Parent #1
It is a dream setting for any child...A very special place!

Health

OVERALL RATING (5.0)
Temperature and overall air circulation is comfortable
Healthy and nutritious snacks are provided
Toys and furniture are cleaned regularly

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Safety

OVERALL RATING (5.0)
Screen and identify all visitors
Parents may not bring sick children to school where they may infect others

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