San Francisco, CA
ABC's Child Development Center

Discipline

OVERALL RATING (4.4)

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

source:

Director's Description to School's Approach to Discipline

We do not use 'Time out'. DISCIPLINE POLICY We think of discipline as a learning process, which fosters growth and development. Discipline should be a learning process, not punishment. Children need the security of limits, which tell them what is acceptable as well as what is not acceptable. Teachers will be consistent and firm with their expectations, but at no time will corporal punishment be used. We have three rules that all children are encouraged to follow: 1) You can't hurt yourself 2)You can't hurt others 3)You can't hurt the environment. The teachers will talk about the situation with the child to help them develop the skills and tools needed (words) needed to not only problem solve and negotiate with their peers as well as adults but to help them communicate their wants and needs, also. When problems arise inside or outside the classroom the child will be given: 1) The opportunity to adjust his/her behavior; 2) Choices that allow for individual needs; 3) Re-direction to another activity. With this approach we have effectively eliminated 'time out' in the classroom. When a child is distraught he/she may be removed from the group in an effort to respect the emotional well being of all the children. Our ultimate goal for each child is to learn 'self discipline.'

Director's Response to a Sample Discipline Scenario

Description of how teachers handle the following scenario: Child A and Child B are good friends and usually play together. One day, Child A decides to play with Child C and tells Child B, 'I don't want to play with you today. I'm playing with Child C instead.'


We talk with the children about feelings and how words can hurt our feelings. We try to give them the appropriate words to use in their communication with each other.

Parents' Notes on Discipline, Health and Safety

Parent #1
The school space -- both indoor and outdoor -- is small. The area is kept very tidy. The outdoor area has some issues that were not clear to me, but the staff identified that we need upgrades. However, fundraising efforts have been rather slack and therefore these outdoor upgrades are going to take considerable time. I think the main owner is great with kids but needs a business manager of sorts to coordinate more of this stuff. The strength of the parent community has been very varied. The school is cheap by SF standards and I think many parents are not as involved in the school as they should be. However, there is a core that loves the school (myself included) and feels that it is a diamond in the rough that can be beautified if parents help take action!!

Health

OVERALL RATING (4.5)
Temperature and overall air circulation is comfortable
Healthy and nutritious snacks are provided
Toys and furniture are cleaned regularly

source:

Safety

OVERALL RATING (4.8)
Screen and identify all visitors
Parents may not bring sick children to school where they may infect others

source: