Berkeley, CA
Gan Shalom

Discipline

OVERALL RATING (4.4)

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

We teach respect for self, others, and community, for bodies and feelings. We teach inclusion and encourage awareness. We help children control acting out by keeping them near us. We talk of Gan Shalom as a safe place for all.

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.'


We believe 'You can't say you can't play.' We work with the children to include each child who wishes to join in play. Playing alone is OK, playing in community means including others.

Parents' Notes on Discipline, Health and Safety

Parent #1
I think that kids with colds come to school and that is so in almost every preschool, but kids with fevers, vomiting, etc. do not, as seems appropriate to me. Gan is sometimes a little shabby in a well loved, comfortable way, but it seems like a good thing to me, not bad. The things that need to be fixed, they get fixed. Snacks are great--organic, healthy, delicious.

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 (3.8)
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?

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