Oakland, CA
Growing Light Montessori School

Discipline

OVERALL RATING (4.7)

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

Children are supported throughout the day as they are learning how to be social beings. Teachers first try to help the students use their words in order to express themselves. Sometimes a student may need some space so the teachers will work one on one with that student, rather than use the traditional 'time out'. Usually the students just need a little extra positive attention when having difficulties and the teachers are amazing and letting them know what is not acceptable and how to behave appropriately without the sense of judgment.

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.'


Sometimes students need to explore different relationships, however the teachers want this to happen without hurting others. The teachers will model the dialogue around this and help all three students to work out a time to play with just two students, times to play alone and times to play all together where the students can all understand and feel complete with the outcome.

Parents' Notes on Discipline, Health and Safety

Parent #1
The outdoor play space at the Oakland campus does not have a play structure, which is a negative. However, I have been pleased with the variety of play equipment available and the kids seem to have as much fun in the play outdoor area here as at any playground.

Parent #2
GLMS is clean and safe. Snacks are healthy and organic. The outdoor play space is somewhat lacking but the kids are engaged and have a good time. Plans are underway to build a new playground for use by younger and older children.

Parent #3
The school yard is shared property of a church. There is PTO funding happening to develop a site on campus for climbing structures. But, overall, the children have enough fun with each other and just nature in general, to not miss the climbing structures.

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 (3.7)
Screen and identify all visitors
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.

Help your little one to learn good manners by having a tea party. Set a table with your finest plastic ware and be sure to use your best manners. Modeling this behavior in playtime helps your little one to remember it at dinner time.

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