San Francisco, CA
Glenridge Cooperative Nursery School

Discipline

OVERALL RATING (4.9)

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

There are two rules for children at Glenridge--no one's body should get hurt, and no one's feelings should get hurt. Children are learning socially acceptable ways to get their needs met, and since children learn by repeated, first hand experiences, they will make mistakes along the way. We do not punish children for being socially immature. Adults support and protect the children by setting limits and encouraging problem solving in consistent and positive ways, guiding children as they gain self-control.

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.'


It depends on the age and social experiences of the children involved. If children are socially immature, it can be difficult for them to sustain play with multiple playmates. When that happens, it is okay for Child A to say, 'Right now, I want to play with Child C.' An adult will then help Child B, by saying, 'They are busy right now. What else would you like to do?' Depending on the needs of that child, the adult can hold the child and read a book, or can help the child to engage with a different friend. As children get older and more experienced, they develop the ability to play within a group of peers for extended periods of time. When exclusion occurs with older children, the adult will help the children to work out whatever problems caused the play to break down, encouraging collaboration and inclusion.

Parents' Notes on Discipline, Health and Safety

Parent #1
Glenridge enjoys an extremely unique setting in Glen Canyon Park. Our students are able to interact with nature on a daily basis and the outdoors are an integral part of their learning experience.

Parent #2
Our director has a beautiful way of working out discipline issues between kids. She has an amazing understanding of how kids think and how their feelings get hurt, leading to what she calls 'unattractive, but developmentally appropriate behaviors', such as hitting, biting, excluding, etc... She focuses on making sure that kids feelings and bodies are safe at school.

Parent #3
The building is a fairly old Parks & Rec building not in the best of condition. It is also in the middle of fairly wild parkland so a lot of dirt gets tracked in. However, it is cleaned very regularly so it is cleaner than it looks. The outdoor play area is spectacular. Because of the outdoor play, children are taught good hand washing technique and a lot of common-sense outdoor safety info.

Parent #4
The facilities and grounds at Glenridge include Glen Canyon Park. The school is located inside the canyon, and parents hike into the school with their children each day. The natural setting of the school adds tremendous value to the curriculum and beauty of Glenridge. Discipline at the school is rarely an issue because the expectations are so clear and consistent, and the environment at the school guides the children and holds their attention.

Parent #5
Our school does not have a standard 'playground' with a playground structure; our outdoor space is Glen Canyon. Our outdoor activities include climbing trees, rocks, and logs, digging in the dirt or mud (holes, rivers for rain runoff), riding tricycles, ball play, hiking, swings, outdoor chalk, painting outside, water play (when it's warm), building with sticks and leaves, searching for catepillars, worms, banana slugs, pillbugs, etc. The canyon is an integral part of our school. Children often play outside in the rain (with raincoats and rainboots); a warm inside space is always available. Staff and parents are, however, consistently vigilant in keeping Glenridge a safe and healthy place to be. Eating areas and bathrooms are carefully cleaned on a regular basis.

Health

OVERALL RATING (4.6)
Temperature and overall air circulation is comfortable
Healthy and nutritious snacks are provided More >
Toys and furniture are cleaned regularly

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Safety

OVERALL RATING (4.9)
Screen and identify all visitors
Parents may not bring sick children to school where they may infect others

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