Newton, MA
Burr Cooperative Nursery School

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

Discipline is constructive and part of the everyday curriculum of the school. Our goal is to provide children with problem solving and conflict resolution skills. Conflicts that may arise are seen as learning opportunities and a chance for children to practice their burgeoning social skills. Teachers enlist children's help in settling conflicts thereby giving them responsibility and ownership of the solutions.

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.'


If Child B seems upset by this situation, the teacher would first acknowledge the child's feelings. "I bet that made you feel sad." Then the teacher might offer some strategies: tell Child A that hurt your feelings, ask if you can play with them, find someone else to play with... Circle discussions and story books are used at the time and at other times to illuminate this issue and to practice non hurtful language. Also to emphasize that friends can play with other friends and still like you.

Parents' Notes on Discipline, Health and Safety

Parent #1
The teachers handle discipline in a way that gives the child a bit of control. They definitely step in if situations are dangerous and/or disruptive.

Parent #2
Though the school is in the basement of a church (like many preschools) the staff does a great job of making it bright, cheery and comfortable. The playground is great and purposefully does not include swings as they can be hazardous.

Parent #3
You will not find "high gloss" at Burr Co-Op. It's all about the kids' experience in the classroom and the priority is on child-centered learning in a warm environment. Sometimes a tattered old (but safe!) toy is kept in the classroom because it is simply a favorite...even if it doesn't have the appeal of a Pottery Barn Kids catalog.

Health

OVERALL RATING (4.7)
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 (4.8)
Screen and identify all visitors More >
Parents may not bring sick children to school where they may infect others

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Montessori? Waldorf? Play-based?

What school type is right for your child? Is one model better than another? What does the research say?

View an example from the Savvy Source guide to learn more.

Trace around your child's foot, with shoe on, on a piece of white construction paper or card stock. Have child cut out the shoe print and add a spooky face. Glue it to a popsicle stick and you have a ghost stick puppet!

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