All children have the ability to behave with respect and consideration to the adults in their lives as well as to their fellow classmates. Children should come to the classroom prepared to behave in a manner conducive to a fun learning experience. Children should respect the teachers at the school and listen, cooperate and treat their classmates in a loving manner.
If there are any behavioral problems with a child, the situation will first be handled in a loving manner by the classroom teacher. Additional issues with the same child will involve the Head of School and administrative staff and will be handled on an individual basis.
Knowing that the educational process is a joint effort between parents and teaches, parents are asked to communicate to the school any challenges at home that might impact the child’s behavior at School. Discipline is a cooperative effort.
The following is a list of procedures which we follow here at The Cathedral School for each child:
- Positive, positive, and positive reinforcements, interactions, and interventions. Our staff is trained to use positive reinforcement, guidance, and redirection in their classroom as we recognize the process of teaching children how to behave appropriately.
- A child’s ego is built and self-esteem strengthened through praise and reward.
- The individual child will be directed, redirected, and talked to about the challenge, giving consideration to “the total child” and their individual developmental level.
- Using the child’s name first, teachers will request a specific behavior, then precede with redirection; redirection will precede interventions.
- Interventions, to include a “quest time,” will follow redirection when necessary.
- We encourage behavior that respects the rights of the individual child, the group, and the adult.
- Child behavior will be observed and recorded.
- Parents will be consulted with on a regular basis through an open channel of communication.
- Intervention plans, if needed, will involve the parents and Education Team.
- Consistency on the part of all parties is the key!
We have uniform school rules that are explained to the child and the parent. These rules ask for the behavior we desire. We try to anticipate behavior problems before they occur by providing a positive, nurturing environment in a structured classroom. Our discipline in the classroom or playground may include isolation for an individual or the group for a limited amount of time, preventing contact with other children. Children may be asked to sit while others play or be excluded from special activities.
In the event of repeated or unusual negative behavior patterns, the Head of School will confer with parents to ensure a continuity of consequences and reinforcements. Most discipline problems will be handled by the classroom teacher. Excessive disciplinary actions will then be in the Head of School and administrative staff’s offices. Children who are given reasonable choices and options are encouraged to strive for independence. Through positive discipline based on consistency, love, and acceptance of the individual, our children become confident students who make positive choices.
Revised 08/17/07