Brooklyn, NY
Open House

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

We believe it is important to prepare the environment for success. We have developmentally appropriate expectations that are clearly and consistently communicated, possess knowledge of the individual child, ensure the staff is well-trained and the administration supportive.

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 Open House there are rules that define how many children can work in each area, for example: 4 people in the block area. Therefore, if there is space in an area, a child can choose to play there despite what another child says. That said, a teacher overhearing this conversation would encourage Child B to tell Child A how he/she felt when Child A said she was not going to play with him/her. Child A would have to acknowledge that she heard what Child B said. Child B could then choose to enter the play area if there was space or the teacher could help him/her make another choice.

Parents' Notes on Discipline, Health and Safety

Parent #1
Open House has an adequate roof play area, but I think they could definitely improve it with better climbing/play equipment. Some of the equipment is old and there are not many options.

Parent #2
The year my daughter was three, right before school started, she was diagnosed with leukemia. She was able to return to school after a few months, but continued to receive chemotherapy treatments for the next two years. Open House staff couldn't have been more loving, supportive and concerned about her. She had a great school experience, and never once felt left out. (She's fine now!)

Parent #3
There was one little boy that seemed constantly sick with a harsh cold, yet he was in school every day.

Parent #4
The outside space has only minimal climbing structures -- small plastic ones. There are no balls, because it is a rooftop. There are tricycles and other ride-on toys.

Health

OVERALL RATING (4.5)
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 (4.0)
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.

This is a great memento from the holiday season. Dip your child's hand in white paint and press (read more)

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