San Francisco, CA
Children's Day School

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 help children understand the requirements of the environment by using logical consequences instead of arbitrary punishments. To do this, we pay close attention to each child. Most importantly, we publicly notice when a child is doing a 'valued' behavior. We also set clear limits, and logical consequences follow directly from the unwanted behavior. For example, if a child has drawn on the wall, he or she must gather the necessary cleaning supplies and wash the wall before moving on to another activity.

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.'


At CDS, children are required to be inclusive. In this situation, a teacher may step in to help Child B decide what to do. If Child B wants to find something else to do, the teacher can help with that. If she or he wants to play with Child A and Child C, the teacher will help the 3 children find a way to play together.

Parents' Notes on Discipline, Health and Safety

Parent #1
The preschool classrooms (bungalows) are brand new and great. The outdoor play space is superior to anything else we saw in SF, and the neighborhood gets a lot of sunshine so playing outside is an everyday event. Kids are constantly monitored for safety and taught to 'be safe with their bodies'. Kids are taught how to be aware of others feelings, and when a situation arises, the teachers don't just let it go--they show the child how to address it, with words.

Parent #2
The preschool rooms have old rugs in them, which are never cleaned. My daughter has a dust allergy, and came home with hives almost every day. Once we transferred to a different school (where they actually clean!), she has not had to take medication for allergies anymore. Regarding discipline, there were two boys who used to pursue my daughter regularly. She felt persecuted by them. The school did not intervene, saying the behavior was 'normal.'

Parent #3
I am very impressed with the conflict resolution at CDS. Children are encouraged to 'use their words' always. They are polite, considerate and empathetic. The CDS outdoor area is a beautiful 1.2 acre campus with a playground, climbing structures, farm and garden, enormous palm trees, benches, picnic tables, etc.

Health

OVERALL RATING (4.2)
Temperature and overall air circulation is comfortable
Healthy and nutritious snacks are provided More >
Toys and furniture are cleaned regularly

source:

Safety

OVERALL RATING (4.3)
Screen and identify all visitors
Parents may not bring sick children to school where they may infect others

source: