San Francisco, CA
Russian Hill School

Discipline

OVERALL RATING (4.6)

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

Socialization Skills: Children learn to share and cooperate within a group situation through language-based techniques which encourage altruistic solutions to social difficulties. Helping children to 'use words' instead of actions and follow 'talk it out' directives when dispute situations arise, are specific objectives for this program. Teaching methods and activities are designed to promote group interaction, allowing children continual practice toward social development. As per our handbook: 'The teachers at Russian Hill School employ disciplinary approaches with children that engender trust and promote confidence and self-direction. Discipline is viewed as a positive opportunity for learning and behavioral change. Children are given choices and encouraged to make the correct choice. If a child consistently chooses to make the wrong choice (e.g., disturbing other children), they may be asked to sit quietly on the couch within sight of the teacher. The child can observe until they feel ready to behave appropriately and rejoin the activity. The low teacher to student ratio allows for individualized support and guidance during this process. Any form of discipline or punishment that violates a child's personal rights (as specified in CCR 101223) is not permitted regardless of authorized representative consent. In the event of recurring disciplinary problems, a special parent-teacher conference will be called. This will enable the parents and teachers to work cooperatively to solve issues early.'

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 Russian Hill School, we emphasize empathy through role modeling, and specific situations that naturally arise. In this situation, a teacher would ask child A: 'How would it make you feel if child B said this to you?' Through helping child A to verbalize and understand the feelings of the other child, all the children involved are learning empathy. The teacher would then offer child A the chance to say sorry to (and hug) child B. Further, the teacher might offer solutions (i.e., an activity) and skills/words to promote all three children to play together.

Parents' Notes on Discipline, Health and Safety

Parent #1
The outside space is lovely, but small. There are no tricycles or other riding toys nor a play structure. But they do set up a trampoline and a balance beam outside. The inside space is smallish, but well set-up. I have never been worried about my child's health and safety.

Parent #2
RHS does not have a lot of outdoor equipment for the children to play on. The school is a new location and as such has new and well kept interior. It generally seems clean and well cared for. The key thing that it is 'missing' is a large outdoor play area.

Health

OVERALL RATING (4.6)
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 (4.3)
Screen and identify all visitors
Parents may not bring sick children to school where they may infect others

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