Berkeley, CA
Cedar Creek Montessori

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

Based on the individual needs of the child. Typically discipline is through redirection and/or logical or natural consequences. A brief time-out may be given in certain circumstances. Montessori activities help center children and develop internal control and self-respect, which then leads to positive social behavior.

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.'


The emphasis would be on learning empathy, building caring and appropriate social skills, and developing self esteem. The teacher might first have all three children talk to each other and see if they could play together. If not, the teacher would have the first child restate, using language which would help the friend to understand they are still friends, for example, 'I'll play with you later after lunch.' The teacher would also help the second child understand that good friends don't have to play with each other all the time, and would help her/him find a new activity.

Parents' Notes on Discipline, Health and Safety

Parent #1
When we first visited Cedar Creek, we were not sure if the play area was large enough. Now that we have been there a year, we realize it's a great space for the children and includes several choices for activities.

Parent #2
Regarding how my child has changed since starting this school, I think he already knew how to listen (mostly!), sit still, etc. This school did not teach him those things because he already knew them.

Health

OVERALL RATING (5.0)
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 (4.4)
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.

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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