Oakland, CA
Chatham School

Discipline

OVERALL RATING (3.2)

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

Redirection, win/win problem solving and given the words to get their needs met safely.

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.'


Teacher would help child B to find other choices and friends. Explain to them that their turn will come to play with friend A later. It is OK. Steer away from rejection.

Parents' Notes on Discipline, Health and Safety

Parent #1
The sand sometimes had an unpleasant odor. This school was recently cited for a serious over-enrollment issue. The site was licenced for 44 children, but had 83. Some of the students were part-time so I'm not certain how many children were there at one time but there were significantly more children than Chatham has room for. As a result, there was over-crowding, both inside and out. The children were made to eat outside (covered but open to the elements) in very cold weather because they had no room for all the students inside. The space simply wasn't adequate for the number of students on-site.

Parent #2
Water fountain and bathroom sink was broken and it seems the only reason why she finally fixed them were because of complaining parents.

The outdoor play area is on a steep slope so several accidents occur with children falling when running. Also, the playground is in a sand pit, so the children get filthy.

Health

OVERALL RATING (3.5)
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 (3.0)
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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